The Hallwood Jacobs are a gorgeous flock of Jacob sheep, enjoying life (and the occasional digestive biscuit) on thirty acres of land in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Jacob sheep are a very old breed, reportedly dating back to biblical times, taking its name from the story in the Old Testament Book of Genesis of how Jacob became a breeder of pied sheep. 

In the 17th and 18th Century, Jacob Sheep were imported from Spain by the British landed gentry. The oldest known flock which were imported in the 1750s still graze at Charlecote Park in Warwickshire. The Jacob breed with its splendid horns and distinct spotted fleeces made it an ideal ornamental sheep to graze with deer in parklands surrounding castles and stately homes. By the end of the First World War, many of these flocks had disappeared and by the mid part of the century there were very few Jacob sheep. A small number of dedicated breeders and enthusiasts were determined to preserve the breed, and in 1969 the Jacob Sheep Society was formed with 96 members and 2,700 registered sheep. It's now a favourite breed for smallholders, with very friendly sheep, lovely fleeces, easy lambing and good mothers, and good quality meat too.

For details of the characteristics of Jacob sheep have a look at the Jacob Sheep Society website.