The Richard Anderson Cheviot Tweeds have become a favourite in both the United Kingdom and America. The Cheviots are both weather resistant and hardy, making them ideal for a wide range of outdoor uses including striking overcoats; being lightweight at only 17oz with a tight weave they are also very practical as a suit or jacket.
The history of the Cheviot sheep explains the durability of the cloth. They take their name from the Cheviot Hills, a rugged windswept area on the border of Scotland and England, where they live the entire year on rough terrain. Flocks of hardy sheep were recorded in this area as early as 1342, and for many years would have been the property of the Church and managed for their wool.
Now found in other parts of Scotland, Wales and England, they are capable of surviving all seasons and are found up to 3000 ft above sea level. During the last few centuries, selective cross-breeding with other breeds including Merrino led to the production of a dense, hardy and high quality wool that became popular through Britain. With that hardy British heritage, one might expect a rough heavy tweed, but they are in fact a delight to handle and to wear.
Images of these striking cloths can be found in the images section HERE.