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Witney, Oxfordshire: Weaving Blankets for the Troops

Throughout World War One the Witney wool industry turned out thousands of blankets that were sent to soldiers and sailors fighting on the fronts.

A Witney blanket was an important piece of a soldier鈥檚 kit and would have been used in many different ways. As well as keeping them warm it would have protected them, sheltered them from the weather, and wrapped up their belongings.

To have a Witney blanket was a very personal and comforting possession.

The 19th Century had possibly been the heyday of the wool industry in Britain and by 1914, it was in decline. In many ways the war revived the trade in Witney.

Location: Blanket Hall, 100 High Street, Witney OX28 6HL
Image showing a Witney loom courtesy of Podcast Productions
Interview with Director of Witney Blanket Hall, Richard Martin
Reporting for the 成人快手: Jane Markham, Podcats Productions

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6 minutes

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