Capel Cochineal and Stanley Sheep’s School Project: Stroud’s String of Pearls

When school pupils Capel Cochineal and Stanley Sheep are asked by their teachers to produce a history project about their area, they soon realise that their families played vital roles in helping the town become famous. But it came at a price: Capel’s relatives, immigrants from South America, were literally destined to dye - dried and crushed to provide the rich scarlet dye - whilst Stanley’s woolly family lent their fleecy coats to make the world-renown broadcloth. Through their amusing, playful account, the two characters tell the story of Stroud’s String of Pearls
the collective name for the 170 woollen mills which once roared with the sound of waterwheels, fulling stocks and spinning jennies. They re-enact history from medieval times when men walked on cloth in vats of urine; to the Industrial Revolution era of steam, coal, machinery and factory life; to modern life and how the mills are used today. AUTHOR: Tracy Spiers is a journalist who has worked in every aspect of media, including newspapers, magazines, radio and television (for BBC) for over 30 years. She has a first class BA Honours degree in illustration as well as an MA (with distinction) in the subject. She now marries the two professions to tell stories in a playful, engaging and colourful way. She lives in Stroud. 100 colour illustrations