Since 1733
Woods Heritage
The Woods' family name has been synonymous with the finest linen and luxury cotton since 1733. Today, Woods is celebrated as one of the finest, most comprehensive linen shops in Europe. If you can't find it at Woods, you probably can't find it anywhere!
Directed by B.I.I.D. member and respected interior designer William Woods, grandson of the founder, the shop is still run on enviable family business values. Our shop is a treasure trove of goods from all over the world, providing a choice and diversity rarely found under one roof. Respected for quality and attention to detail, Woods Fine Linens operates its own interior design workshops, with a team of highly skilled craftspeople making curtains and furnishings to the highest possible standard.
Generations of satisfied customers, including royalty, enjoy the service provided by Woods' knowledgeable and friendly staff dedicated to advising customers and discovering the unusual. Put simply, our passions are quality, design and customer service.
1733
William Woods begins his career as a Mercer in Laugharne, South Wales.
During the reign of King George II and a period of great upheaval in the textile industry. Cloth production is moving from the home to the factory and artisans are seeking ways to increase productivity. Silk, wool, fustian and linen are being overtaken by cotton, and weaving and spinning technologies are becoming mechanised.
1788
During the reign of King George III.
William’s trade is passed down to his son, Thomas Woods. British Agricultural Revolution has reached its peak and the Industrial Revolution is in full flow, fuelled by unprecedented growth in the rural population. Cotton and wool mills, powered by water then by steam, are starting to become a common sight, particularly in the North of England.
1852
Thomas' son, George starts at Castle Mill, Knaresborough
Having worked as a travelling salesman based in Bristol, aided by recent developments in the infrastructure of canals and railways, Thomas’ son George moves to Yorkshire to work for Knaresborough’s famous Castle Mill.
1870
A promotion for George Woods to Castle Mill Manager.
Never one to rest on his laurels in this prestigious supplier to all Royal Palaces. His work ethic did not go unnoticed, he's rewarded with a significant promotion to Manager of Castle Mill.
1895
William E. Woods founds the family’s first linen shop in Princes Street, Harrogate, cementing the Woods’ reputation as purveyors of the finest luxury linens and consolidating their rich heritage.
The door read 'Wm. E. Woods, The Draper' and featured the same exterior clock as on the present building.
1926
Woods relocates to its present location on 67 Station Parade, Harrogate.
The famous Woods' clock also moves to its' new home, high up above the now listed veranda on Prince Albert Row.
1940
Upon William’s passing, one of his two sons, George Appleby, takes over the family business.
Employee James Lambert goes off to serve in the Eighth Army in the Second World War and fights at El Alamein in 1942.
1941
George enlists leaving the business in the hands of his brother, the eminent Lawyer: Ernest Woods.
1945
The war is over! James Lambert and George return from service, George having reached the rank of Major.
1963
Having joined in 1913, loyal staff member, Tom Bryant completes 50 years with Woods.
Longevity, a traditional value continued here at Woods to this day.
1965
A tragic accident. George is tragically killed in a car accident with his wife Thalia on the way to visit one of the company’s suppliers.
Their memory lives on in everything we do.
1966
George’s son, also named William Ernest, relinquishes his pursuit of a career in law to take over the family business, aged just seventeen.
He is mentored by his uncle Ernest and joined by a group of loyal staff, including James Lambert and Stanley Newbould.
1974
After a stint working in Ireland for a firm of spinners, weavers, bleachers and dyers; William attends a formal course of interior design training at Heal & Son in London, William then returns to Harrogate.
In the years that follow he travels to the Far East, India, America and Europe to learn about linen in all its guises and create links with designers and manufacturers. He then goes on to develop the company’s interior design service and establishes new in-house workshops.
1977
Loyal employee James Lambert passes away after dedicating 64 years to Woods.
Many of the traditions of Woods were upheld by Mr Lambert, he was held in high-esteem by customers and colleagues alike.
1981
William marries Jennifer and they have two children, Sarah Thalia and Jonathan William.
William goes on to purchase the adjoining shop to accommodate the growing business.
1995
A milestone is reached and Woods celebrates its' centenary.
A '100 Flower Garden' is planted in the town centre by the whole family.
2004
William’s daughter, Sarah Thalia, starts working for Woods as Interior Design Director.
Her eye for detail, maturity and professionalism soon earn her a loyal client list and a reputation that belies her age.
2015
William’s son Jonathan starts working for Woods, following in the footsteps of his father, having travelled extensively and lived in the Far East for three years before settling into the family business.
Woods Fine Linens moved into Yorkshire in the early 19th century when George Woods managed the local flax mill in Knaresborough. He wove fine linen, for which the area justly became famous. In 1895, his son, William Ernest Woods was inspired to open his first linen shop. William's son, also George, took over the running of the business in 1940. And in 1965, at the tender age of 17 the young William Woods inherited the company when his parents were tragically killed.
In the early days, the shop supplied the town's major hotels with fine quality linens and towels. Standards were high and nothing would be sold unless it was the best, and sure to give good service. The shop's reputation spread across Britain and Woods gained royal patronage.
Woods Today
Today, the shop offers its customers a rare shopping experience. Inside is a visual feast with a vast array of goods sourced from around the globe. We also have a well established and comprehensive interior design department specialising in the design and decoration of country homes. We uphold the traditional values of good service, high quality and attention to detail.
A visit to our shop is a unique experience - the Edwardian lift takes customers between floors and purchases are still wrapped in brown paper and string, and carried out to your car.
At Woods, the best of tradition is combined with a strong sense of design. Expert Interior Designer, Sarah Woods, is the next generation who will move the company forward well into the 21st century. We are happy now to be offering the convenience of online shopping with a selection of our most popular linens. Here, you can buy with the knowledge that we are completely dedicated to your total satisfaction.
Inherited inspiration.
“As a little girl I remember visiting my Father in his magical shop, I was dazzled by the beauty of home design and especially the wonderfully-woven fabrics.
After qualifying in London I joined my Father for my ‘real’ interior design education. After 50+ years as a BIID professional interior designer, his wisdom and nationally-recognised style inspired me to new heights.
To this day I live my passion for period interior design, and am so driven to always do better. I was of course proud when we were nationally recognised by The Telegraph in their ‘Top 20 Interior Designers in Britain’ awards but I won’t rest there!”
