The Lancashire Coppy, according to G.T. Dodwell, is an ancient variety which was brought to Britain by Flemish weavers in the 1700s; 
its ancestors probably included the Belgian and Dutch Frill. 

Originally the variety was known  as the Manchester Coppy or Manchester Fancy - since so many of the breeders lived in that city. The Lancashire was bred in two forms - the 'Coppy' or crested bird and the 'Plainhead'.

The breed reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian period but was virtually extinct by the end of the Second World War. 

At about 8 inches in length the breed was the 'giant of the fancy' and it was used to transfer size into other breeds including Crested Norwich, and the Yorkshire.

Attempts have been made to re-create the variety and it is being shown again largely due to the efforts of the Old Varieties Canary Association.

 
 

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Lancashires II

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