The Gloucester breed is an ancient breed, dating back to the 13th century. They were highly valued for their milk (producing Double Gloucester cheese), their beef and for providing strong docile draught oxen. With the introduction of intensive farming techniques their numbers passed into decline in favour of larger and faster maturing breeds, by 1972 the breed was threatened with extinction with only one herd remaining. Fortunately, with the dedication and foresight of five devotees determined that the breed should survive the Gloucester Cattle Society was revived and since then cattle numbers have increased from near extinction to over 730 registered females.

The breed was saved

Today Gloucesters are still classed as 'Endangered'.