Britain’s last remaining professional female ropemaker fears the ancient craft might ‘die out’ if she can’t secure an apprentice in time.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The grandmother previously spent months learning how to make the exquisite cords when she joined manufacturer Outhwaites in Hawes, North Yorks., seven years ago.<br /><br />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.
