Heritage Open Days: Weaving the Streets of Sudbury Wool to Silk

Join expert Blue Badge as you weave our way around Sudbury's historic streets that are steeped in silk and wool weaving heritage.

Architectural clues and monuments from these trades stand proudly throughout the town; from characterful Weavers’ Cottages, to mighty Silk Mills, Sudbury’s Weavers’ Piece garden packed with dye plants to Sudbury’s three magnificent medieval churches and splendid timber framed buildings, the architectural legacy of the wealth of Sudbury’s wool trade.

After the decline of the wool trade, Sudbury’s spinners and weavers turned their skills to the production of lighter fabrics and became 'The UK Capital of Silk'. The small but mighty town of Sudbury in Suffolk has a unique place in Europe, with five silk businesses based in the town, milling over 110 tonnes of Chinese silk each year. Sudbury is truly the UK Capital of Silk since it manufactures over 95% of all the woven silk nationwide. Throughout the 20th century the silk industry in Sudbury not only survived but thrived and it continues today carrying on this proud and long tradition.

Producing fabrics of the finest quality, they have been used for the wedding dresses of Princess Anne and Princess Diana, lining the Queen’s coronation robes, creating a gown for Michelle Obama and the list of prestigious projects continues to grow.

Free but booking is essential.

Other Tours are also planned for Heritage Open Days in Sudbury.