Robert Bakewell, a pioneer in selective breeding, developed the Leicester Longwool in the late 18th century. By cross-breeding several varieties of sheep in Leicestershire, England, he produced a new variety that produced large amounts of wool, grew rapidly, and produced less waste when slaughtered.
The new breed quickly became popular throughout the British colonies in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in North America.
During the 19th century, the Leicester Longwool was used to produce many new breeds, both for wool and for meat, and the original breed had disappeared from North America by the mid-20th century.
Largely through the efforts of Colonial Williamsburg and breeder Ivan Heazlewood of Tasmania, the breed was reconstituted by importing ewes and a ram from Australia.
The Leicester Longwool is a medium to large breed with a heavy, curly fleece. The typical fleece weighs 11 to 15 pounds, though some sheep have produced as much as 20 pounds at a shearing.