Southdown sheep 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm). An estimated 110,000 sheep were in Sussex as early as 1341. At the time, their wool was second only to the Hereford sheep in fineness and quality. In 1780, John Ellman realized the potential of these animals and set out to standardize the Southdown breed. In the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, they were found in large numbers, especially in the South Downs near Lewes. In 1813, Arthur Young estimated 200,000 ewes were kept on the eastern South Downs and commented, "the amazing number they keep is one of the most
Norfolk Horn but dry environments. The breed is long-legged with black faces and legs. Both sexes have horns, although these are larger in the males. At maturity, an ewe weighs about . The breed is described as "flighty" and is likened to goats in their ability to jump over obstacles such as fencing. It was a popular breed in Norfolk until the middle 19th century, when "improved" breeds such as the Leicester and Southdown appeared. Norfolk Horn ewes were mated to Southdown rams to produce high quality meat-producing lambs, and this cross became established as a separate breed, the Suffolk. The Norfolk