Burying in Woollen Acts

Coat of Arms of England (1660-1689)

Burying in Woollen Acts

The Burying in Woollen Acts were a series of laws enacted in England and Wales in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These acts required that deceased individuals be buried in woollen shrouds as a means of supporting the domestic wool industry. The legislation aimed to boost the demand for English-produced wool and reduce the country's reliance on imported textiles.

Background

The Burying in Woollen Acts were first introduced in 1666 during the reign of Charles II. At the time, the English wool industry was facing economic challenges due to competition from foreign textiles. The government sought to protect and promote the domestic wool trade by mandating the use of woollen burial shrouds.

Provisions

Under the Burying in Woollen Acts, individuals were required to be buried in a shroud made entirely of wool. Families of the deceased were required to provide a sworn affidavit attesting to compliance with the law. Failure to do so could result in financial penalties.

Impact

The Burying in Woollen Acts had a significant impact on the English wool industry. The laws created a steady demand for woollen textiles, leading to increased production and sales. However, the requirement to use woollen shrouds was met with resistance from some individuals who found the practice burdensome and costly.

Repeal

Over time, the Burying in Woollen Acts fell out of favor and were eventually repealed in the early 19th century. The decline of the laws was attributed to changing social attitudes, advancements in textile manufacturing, and a shift away from government intervention in trade practices.

Legacy

Despite their eventual repeal, the Burying in Woollen Acts remain a notable example of early government intervention in the textile industry. The laws reflected the importance of the wool trade to the English economy and the efforts to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.