Some old-time black "Cotswolds" historically hark back in some form or another to crosses like those originally noted in the flock of William Large of the early 19th century in England.

Those sheep were the product of extensive crossing with English Leicesters, a breed more often known for possessing coloured wool.

[3] In July 1964 a Roman-sculpted replica of a sheep's head was described as having been unearthed near Bibury Church in Gloucestershire, England.

While Christopher Dunn imported only one Cotswold ram to cross with his English Leicester ewes.

Erastus Corning, also of Albany) to make extensive imports of Cotswold sheep from the flock of William Hewer of Northleach, Gloucestershire, England.

The main reason for its early popularity over other lustre longwools in the USA was because it did not require "high feeding" (in other words, large amounts of grain) in order to make good growth.

This sheep was born in 1870 on the farm of William Lane of Gloucestershire, England, and attained the enormous weight of 445 lb (202 kg).

In that year the Black Cotswold Society was formed to assist farmers in propagating the breed.