By the early 1700s Exeter had become a very wealthy city, thanks to the woollen trade. Exeter's prominence in the cloth industry was due to its proximity to spinners and weavers throughout Devon, and the fact that the cloth was finished on Exe Island. The cloth was loaded onto ships at Exeter Quay for exporting to France, Spain, Holland and Portugal. Business thrived until the effects of the Napoleonic Wars and the dominance of the mechanised mills of the North of England which led to the decline of the woollen cloth trade in Exeter.

On this trail guide yourself to 8 different information panels. At each site discover Exeter's 'Age of the Golden Fleece'. For children there are quizzes and puzzles to solve along the way so bring a paper and pencil with you.

The Exeter Woollen Trail Leaflet (364kb) will guide you around the 8 information panels.

See the Visit Exeter website for more information about the Exeter Woollen Trail.