Britain’s last remaining professional female ropemaker fears the ancient craft might ‘die out’ if she can’t secure an apprentice in time.
Caroline Rodgers, 56, who is just one of 11 traditional manufacturers left in the country, said it would be ‘tragic’ if the 300-year-old heritage trade ceased to exist.
The grandmother previously spent months learning how to make the exquisite cords when she joined manufacturer Outhwaites in Hawes, North Yorks., seven years ago.
But after the business closed in 2022, she bought one of their 40-year-old machines and set up her own company, Askrigg Ropemakers, to carry on the tradition.
