The History of Woods

history of woodsThe Woods' family name has been synonymous with the finest linen and luxury cotton since 1733. Today, Woods is celebrated as one of the finest, most comprehensive linen shops in Europe. If you can't find it at Woods, you probably can't find it anywhere!

Directed by B.I.I.D. member and respected interior designer William Woods, grandson of the founder, the shop is still run on enviable family business values. Our shop is a treasure trove of goods from all over the world, providing a choice and diversity rarely found under one roof. Respected for quality and attention to detail, Woods Fine Linens operates its own interior design workshops, with a team of highly skilled craftspeople making curtains and furnishings to the highest possible standard.

Generations of satisfied customers, including royalty, enjoy the service provided by Woods' knowledgeable and friendly staff dedicated to advising customers and discovering the unusual. Put simply, our passions are quality, design and customer service.

Woods Fine Linens moved into Yorkshire in the early 19th century when George Woods managed the local flax mill in Knaresborough. He wove fine linen, for which the area justly became famous. In 1895, his son, William Ernest Woods was inspired to open his first linen shop. William's son, also George, took over the running of the business in 1940. And in 1965, at the tender age of 17 the young William Woods inherited the company when his parents were tragically killed.

In the early days, the shop supplied the town's major hotels with fine quality linens and towels. Standards were high and nothing would be sold unless it was the best, and sure to give good service. The shop's reputation spread across Britain and Woods gained royal patronage.


Woods Today

 

Today, the shop offers its customers a rare shopping experience. Inside is a visual feast with a vast array of goods sourced from around the globe. We also have a well established and comprehensive interior design department specialising in the design and decoration of country homes. We uphold the traditional values of good service, high quality and attention to detail.

A visit to our shop is a unique experience - the Edwardian lift takes customers between floors and purchases are still wrapped in brown paper and string, and carried out to your car.

At Woods, the best of tradition is combined with a strong sense of design. Expert Interior Designer, Sarah Woods, is the next generation who will move the company forward well into the 21st century. We are happy now to be offering the convenience of online shopping with a selection of our most popular linens. Here, you can buy with the knowledge that we are completely dedicated to your total satisfaction.

We hope you enjoy browsing through our website. If you have any queries or comments please contact us.