Castle Cary's linen and hemp industry

Linenweavers were recorded at Castle Cary in 1726 and 1728 and from the 1790s large scale production of sailcloth and twine, no doubt encouraged by the heavy demands of warfare on the navy, developed in Ansford and then in the Torbay area of Castle Cary. Webbing, rope, cord and twine production continued until the later 20th century and was an important employer in the town.