Mardler August 2018

Local History
Hempen linen was noted for its hardwearing qualities. Both
hemp and flax were used in the process of making linen but
the climate and soil in south Norfolk seemed to suit hemp
rather than flax and flax needs much more labour then hemp
to grow and harvest. Hemp grown for making ship cables and
canvas or for sacking needs a well manured and damp soil,
yet a poorer soil is good for fine and slender linen fibres. In the
17th century Diss became the centre for the collection and
distribution of Waveney Valley Hempen Cloth at its Cloth Hall,
or Weavers’ Hall, at The Saracen’s Head Inn. It is reported
that in the 18 th century one eighth of the British hemp
production occurred in the Waveney Valley.
The Saracen’s Head, Mount St, Diss,
Weavers or Cloth Hall in 17 th century.
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