Norfolk Horn

The Norfolk Horn has been around for centuries. It evolved in the Brecklands and was popular until the 19th century. Many Norfolk Horns were mated to Southdown rams to produce the now well-known Suffolk breed. By 1950 however, only a single flock of ten Norfolk Horn ewes and two rams remained. These became the founding members of today’s breed. Listed as ‘critical’ in the 1980s the Norfolk Horn is currently considered ‘at risk’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Today the largest flock of Norfolk Horns – about 300 sheep – can be found at the Boxmoor Trust in Hertfordshire.

This is a slim-bodied medium sized sheep with long black legs and black faces, both free of wool. Both sexes are strongly horned. The fleece is short, white and close and is popular with hand spinners.

Norfolk horn wool is fairly soft but occasionally the fleeces can be a little course so if you would like a teddy for a new baby, Shetland wool may be a better choice.