| Description | Downton Home Industries was founded by Julian, Countess of Radnor in 1901, primarily to organise local lace makers and other craft workers, such as spinners, weavers and glove knitters, into a more professional unit. The offices were housed in premises that had once been the workhouse, while most of the work was done from home. The main role of the Countess was in purchasing materials and attracting orders, but by April 1909 she had given up this role for the lace makers to concentrate on the other crafts. |