The Forgotten Art of Fellmongery: A Look into the History of Animal Hide Processing

Fellmongery is an archaic term for the trade of processing and selling animal hides, particularly sheepskins and wool. The word "fell" refers to the fleece of a sheep, and "monger" means to sell or peddle. Fellmongers were responsible for cleaning, scouring, and dressing the skins, as well as preparing them for tanning and other treatments.

The trade of fellmongery has been around for centuries, with evidence of its existence dating back to medieval times in Europe. In the past, fellmongers played an important role in supplying raw materials for the textile industry, particularly for the production of woolen cloth. However, with the decline of traditional textile manufacturing and the rise of synthetic materials, the demand for natural fibers like wool has decreased, and the trade of fellmongery has largely disappeared.

Today, the term "fellmongery" is mostly used as a historical or cultural reference, rather than an active occupation. Some artisans and craftspeople still practice traditional techniques for processing animal hides, but these activities are generally considered to be part of the broader field of leatherworking or tanning, rather than a distinct trade like fellmongery.