The Lincolnshire Stuff Ball was initiated to encourage and promote the local manufactory and industry of the fabric known as Lincolnshire Stuff, which was made from the wool of Lincolnshire Longwool sheep, an important breed in the county. The rules for the balls stipulated that only Lincolnshire Stuff made from Lincolnshire wool that had been manufactured and dyed in the county could be worn, except gentlemen could wear silk stockings. The first ball was held in 1785 at The Windmill Inn, Alford, Lincolnshire. By the end of the decade, owing to its popularity, it had moved to the County Assembly Rooms in Lincoln, but by the end of the nineteenth century the rules regarding wearing Lincolnshire Stuff had been abandoned in favour of much lighter fabrics, such as muslin. During the 20th century the tradition gradually lapsed.
"LINCOLNSHIRE STUFF BALL. THE ANNUAL BALL and SUPPER will be held, in the COUNTY-ROOMS at LINCOLN, on TUESDAY the 28th OCTOBER, 1828. Lady Patroness, Mrs. BOUCHERETT. Stewards, The HIGH SHERIFF, CHARLES WINN, Esq. Sir EDWARD FFRENCH BROMHEAD, Bart.
Tickets, 10s. 6d. each may be had of Mr. DRURY, Post-office, Lincoln ; or from Mr. J. GRESHAM, opposite the White Hart Inn, Lincoln ; and it is particularly requested that they may be previously procured, in order to facilitate the entrance of the company.
Ladies are not expected to appear in Stuff as formerly : they are requested by the Patroness to adopt Ponceau as the prevailing colour in the Dress and Trimmings.–A specimen of the exact colour may be seen at Mrs. TURNER’S, milliner, High-street, Lincoln.
Our readers will perceive by advertisements in another page, that the Stuff Ball is fixed for the 28th inst. This annual meeting may be considered as the only full assemblage of the rank and fashion of the county, and is usually attended by many families of distinction from the neighbouring counties. The use of the stuff is now avowedly discontinued : it was latterly very little worn, and was never of the smallest effect towards its ostensible purpose. The ball in its present form, has become a species of fancy ball, and is in its effect highly pleasing, the colour fixed upon appearing under every variety of dress, material, and ornament ; some adopting the entire dress, and others using it only in the trimmings. The colour of the present year is, we understand, a kind of rich geranium scarlet, the exact shade of which may be ascertained, if thought necessary.”
Stamford Mercury, 10th October 1828.