The mutton of the Cotswolds is not of high quality except at an early age, but the sheep are useful for crossing purposes to impart size, and because they are exceptionally hardy.
They are hardy and prolific, but do not quite equal the Cotswolds in size.
They were gradually, like the Cotswolds, improved from the original type of slow-maturity sheep by selection in preference to the use of rams of the Improved Leicester breed.
The Oxford Down is a modern breed which owes its origin to crossing between Cotswolds and Hampshire Downs and Southdowns.
And that is thanks to an independent publishing venture run by an 89-year-old former brigadier from a small office in the Cotswolds.