Birstall is a town in the English county of Leicestershire, famous for its association with the wool trade. The town was an important centre for the wool industry in the medieval period, and later became a major producer of worsted cloth. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Birstall was also a major centre for the manufacture of hosiery and lace. Today, the town is still home to a number of textile businesses, as well as a number of other light industries. Birstall is also a popular tourist destination, with a number of historic buildings and attractions, including Birstall Abbey, Birstall Market, and Birstall Manor House.