The Rich History of Hemp in Britain
From Henry VIII's royal decree to modern DEFRA funding, hemp has been woven into British history for over a millennium. Discover how this remarkable crop shaped our nation—and why it's poised for a historic comeback.
Royal Hemp Heritage
By Royal Decree Since 1533
"For every sixty acres of arable land, the occupier shall sow one quarter of an acre with hemp seed, upon pain of forfeiting three shillings and four pence."
King Henry VIII understood hemp's strategic importance. As England built its naval power, hemp was essential for rope, sailcloth, and rigging. A single warship required up to 100 tonnes of hemp—making domestic cultivation a matter of national security.
Hemp and the Royal Navy
Britain's naval supremacy was built on hemp. Every rope, every sail, every piece of rigging that powered the world's greatest fleet was made from this remarkable plant.
The Spanish Armada (1588)
When the Spanish Armada threatened England, British ships with hemp sails and rigging proved more manoeuvrable than the Spanish galleons. Hemp literally helped save the nation.
Naval Dominance (1600-1800)
At its peak, the Royal Navy consumed over 100,000 tonnes of hemp annually. British hemp growing regions—Lincolnshire, Somerset, Suffolk—supplied this vital strategic resource.
Did You Know?
- •The word "canvas" comes from "cannabis"—the Latin name for hemp
- •HMS Victory at Trafalgar carried 26 miles of hemp rope
- •A single ship's anchor cable could weigh 4 tonnes—all hemp
- •Hemp rope was so valuable that stealing it was punishable by death
A Millennium of British Hemp
From Anglo-Saxon farmers to modern precision breeding, hemp has been part of British agriculture for over 1,200 years.
Anglo-Saxon Hemp Cultivation
Hemp cultivation established in Britain, with archaeological evidence of hemp rope and textiles found at Anglo-Saxon sites.
Source: British Museum, Anglo-Saxon Collections
Henry VIII's Hemp Act
King Henry VIII passed a law requiring all farmers with 60 acres or more to grow at least one quarter-acre of hemp, under penalty of a fine of 3 shillings and 4 pence.
Source: The Statutes of the Realm, Vol. III, 1533
Elizabeth I Expands Hemp Laws
Queen Elizabeth I increased the requirement, mandating hemp cultivation to supply the growing Royal Navy with rope and sailcloth.
Source: National Archives, Elizabethan Statutes
Spanish Armada Defeated
British ships with hemp sails and rigging helped defeat the Spanish Armada. Each ship required 50-100 tonnes of hemp for ropes and sails.
Source: National Maritime Museum, Armada Collection
Peak of British Hemp Industry
Hemp cultivation peaked in Britain, with major growing regions in Lincolnshire, Somerset, and Suffolk. The word 'canvas' derives from 'cannabis'.
Source: Victoria and Albert Museum, Textile History
American Independence Impact
Loss of American hemp supplies (the Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper) increased demand for British-grown hemp.
Source: Smithsonian Institution, American History Collection
Industrial Revolution Changes
Cotton from the colonies and steam-powered ships reduced demand for hemp. British cultivation declined but never ceased entirely.
Source: Science Museum, Industrial Revolution Gallery
Cannabis Regulation
The Dangerous Drugs Act 1928 regulated cannabis, though industrial hemp cultivation remained legal with licensing.
Source: legislation.gov.uk, Dangerous Drugs Act 1928
Hemp Cultivation Relegalised
The UK government relegalised industrial hemp cultivation under Home Office licence, recognising its industrial value.
Source: Home Office, Industrial Hemp Licensing Guidance
Precision Breeding Act
The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023 enables gene-edited crops like Precision Plants' Stackatrait™ varieties.
Source: legislation.gov.uk, Precision Breeding Act 2023
DEFRA Funds Hemp Innovation
Precision Plants receives £912,259 from DEFRA's Farming Innovation Programme to develop THC-free hemp varieties for UK farmers.
Source: GOV.UK, DEFRA Farming Innovation Funding 2026
The Modern Hemp Revival
After centuries of decline, British hemp is experiencing a renaissance. With government support, scientific innovation, and growing demand for sustainable materials, hemp is reclaiming its place in British agriculture.
Precision Breeding Act enables gene-edited crops
DEFRA funding for Precision Plants
Stackatrait™ varieties (10-13 CRISPR edits each) targeted for commercial launch
Continue the Legacy
Join the next chapter of British hemp history. With Stackatrait™ technology, UK farmers can grow hemp that meets modern standards while honouring centuries of tradition.