The Essex town of Braintree has a history that dates back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, but it is perhaps the medieval period that shaped the future of Braintree most with the arrival of wool manufacturing in the town. Petra Hornsby finds out more
TEXTILE production is at the heart of the history of Braintree. Braintree was an important hub in the production of wool during the Middle Ages, as Suffolk and North Essex experienced significant prosperity during this time from the industry. In some Suffolk villages, wealth was mirrored in the magnificence of their churches; Lavenham and Long Melford in Suffolk being good examples. Other than Braintree, towns in Essex that benefited from wool manufacturing up until the 18th century included Coggeshall, Saffron Walden and Thaxted. These locations enjoyed good local employment and economic growth from weaving and from wool production, which was reflected in the building of many fine houses that still stand and add character to their respective settings today.
It was perhaps the arrival of Flemish weavers to the region in the 17th century that can be credited with the production of a finer cloth that found a healthy market in Europe – notably Spain and Portugal. By the early 19th century, it was clear that the fashion market was looking for something more luxurious, triggering the arrival of silk and the manufacture of velvet courtesy of George Courtauld, who established successful mills in both Braintree and neighbouring Bocking, as well as Halstead. It was Samuel Courtauld III and his cousin Peter A Taylor who founded Courtauld & Taylor in 1817 and the following year they bought Pound End Mill, situated in South Street. In 1825, Samuel’s brother George joined the business along with John Minton and soon after that the entrepreneurial pair decided to start making black crepe (crimped silk gauze), a fabric made popular by the fashion industry for mourning following Queen Victoria’s attire after the death of Prince Albert.
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