By its very name, the Woolpack is inextricably linked with Coggeshall's former industrial prominence as a wool town. The wool and cloth industry was made possible by the establishment of a Cistercian abbey in the town in 1140, the monks from the abbey being extensively sheep farmers. The Woolpack was built in the 15th century and although its original owner is not known, it is likely that this large and fine timber-framed building once belonged to one of Coggeshall's rich merchants. In 1665 the Rev. Thomas Lowery was ejected from the Church of England after the Reformation and purchased the property, using it as a chapel from where he ministered to non-conformists. He died in 1681 and the house passed to his son Jeremy, a London apothecary. On his death in 1708, the house was sold, and in this year became an Inn known as the Woolpack.
| Left: In the foreground is the 'Best Kept Village' sign which Coggeshall has won several times in recent years |
