Worstead

Worstead is a village (population 852{{ref|population}}) in Norfolk, England, south of North Walsham and north of Wroxham.

Related Topics:
Village - Norfolk, England - North Walsham - Wroxham

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In the Domesday Book, Worstead is called Wrdesteda and Ordested. King Canute gave the village to the abbots of St. Benet's Abbey on the River Bure in the Norfolk Broads.

Related Topics:
Domesday Book - Canute - St. Benet's Abbey - River Bure - Norfolk Broads

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It became very prosperous from the 12th century when weavers from Flanders arrived in the area. They had been encouraged to settle in Norfolk by King Edward III of England who had married a Flemish princess.

Related Topics:
12th century - Weaver - Flanders - Edward III of England - Flemish

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"Walsham" cloth was light and for summer use, whereas "Worstead" was a heavier cloth. It is still referred to as worsted - the original name of the town.

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The last weaver, John Cubitt, died in 1882 at the age of 91.

Related Topics:
John Cubitt - 1882

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The oldest Act of Parliament kept in the House of Lords Record Office is the Taking of Apprentices for Worsteads in the County of Norfolk Act of 1497.

Related Topics:
Act of Parliament - House of Lords - 1497

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Weaving and spinning demonstrations are part of the annual Worstead Festival on the last weekend in July.

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