… or not.
On Saturday we called in, far too briefly, at the annual Masham Sheep Fair. This is the place to go if you believe a sheep looks just like this.
Saturday was the day a whole lot of sheep judging was going on in the market square. Here are a few of the not-at-all identical candidates. And yet they are only a few of the many breeds in England, and in the world. There are 32 distinct breeds commonly seen in different parts of the UK, and many more half-breeds. I was going to identify the ones I’m showing you, but have decided that with one or two exceptions (I know a Swaledale, a Blue-faced Leicester or a Jacobs when I see one), I’d get them wrong. So this is simply a Beauty Pageant for Masham and District sheep.
And if you thought wool was just wool, these pictures may be even more surprising. Who knew that sheep are not simply…. just sheep?
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
Fab sheep shots:)
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Thank you. Fab sheep.
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Oh, look–sheep! It must be Yorkshire. Or Northumbria. Or the Ariège. 🙂 Your photos are very fun–such a creative approach!
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I was thinking of you as I posted the photos of all the different wools. Plenty there to keep someone who enjoys textiles happy!
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What interesting looking creatures and great photos of them – a beauty show indeed! Must have been such an interesting place to spend some time.
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It was: and noisy too. I didn’t stop to analyse whether all those breeds had different baaahs
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I love the photographs of the different fleeces – I so wish I could knit as I love the idea of a blanket from natural wool. There was a walk we used to do regularly that had a field of very woolly sheep (don’t ask me which breed) but I always loved the sign by the gate. “If wet the sheep may fall down – please roll them over.” !!!
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What a brilliant sign – a new one on me. Yes, those fleeces were lovely, and almost…almost… made me wish I could knit too.
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