What material did the Burial in Woolen Act of 1666 mandate for burial shrouds?

The Burial in Woolen Act of 1666 mandated that all bodies be buried in woolen shrouds, specifically to promote the English wool industry. This act required that burials must take place in woolen cloth rather than linen or other materials, as a means to support domestic wool production at a time when there was significant economic emphasis on the textile industry. By stipulating the use of woolen materials, the act sought to ensure that local resources were utilized, thereby providing an economic boost to wool manufacturers. The legislation had a strong lasting impact on burial practices of the time, aligning them with broader socio-economic goals.