Dyeing cloth was highly specialised and a closely guarded secret.
"The larger manufacturers themselves dye all the common colours, such as browns and olives, but the true, or woaded colours, such as blue, wool-black, or green, can only be well-done by those who make it their special business" (Bischoff, p.390)
In the late 1700s, clothiers sent their cloth to local dyers. Stroud cloth was often dyed a bright red known as 'Stroud Scarlet'.
Before the introduction of synthetic dyes in the mid 1800s, colours were obtained from a wide range of materials including imported dyestuffs such as cochineal, indigo and Brazil wood. The early synthetic dyes were unsuitable for wool and dyeing, so natural dyes continued in use into the 20th century.
Dye works were located at Bowbridge, Badbrook, Stroud, Wallbridge and Dudbridge.
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From January 2016, this website is managed by Stroud Local
History Society
