Theakston Brewery company acquired and closed down the Lightfoot Brewery, also in Masham. Theakston's expanded into Cumbria in 1974 buying the Carlisle State Management Brewery. The brewery had been owned and operated by the government since 1916. However, the site was a financial drain on Theakston's and led to the company being taken over in 1984 by Blackburn based brewer, Matthew Brown plc. Matthew Brown was itself taken over by Scottish & Newcastle in 1987. Paul Theakston (Managing Director since 1968) left Theakston's in 1988, and in 1992 established the Black Sheep Brewery in the old Lightfoot Brewery premises - located adjacent
Zulu sheep a genetic process labeled "dark brown". Zulu lambs that are born nearly black possess the gene called dark-brown. This almost black coat will slowly fade to a dark-brown that is common and distinguishable among Zulu sheep herds. Zulu sheep that are purebred will be able to naturally shear their coats. Zulu sheep possess numerous adaptations that help them survive in the harsh natural conditions of KwaZulu-Natal. Scientific studies have shown minute negative impacts to the physical health of the Zulu sheep. This can be credited towards the increased immune system of the Zulu sheep and their ability to survive off