Gloucester

Gloucesters are one of Britain's longest established breeds, dating back to as early as the 13th century. They provided milk for double and single Gloucester cheese, they were worked as oxen and produced quality beef. One particular gloucester cow, Blossom, was made famous during 1745 - 56 when Sir Edward Jenner made the first smallpox vaccination from her.

During the 18th and 19th century numbers declined, with a slight rise around 1920 when the breed society formed. Numbers declined again and the breed society failed. By 1972 there were just 68 head of cattle left. The current breed society formed in that year and numbers have steadily increased since then.

www.gloucestercattle.org.uk

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