Burford
This fantastic and picturesque town has remained largely untouched by modern "High Street" chains. The town has character bursting out of it, with it's fine antique shops, book shops, clothing and gift shops and of course do not forget the essentials, Post Office, Newsagent, Butcher and Grocery Stores. The first sight of the steep main street leading down to the medieval bridge over the River Windrush sets the scene for Burford, one of the most attractively-sited of Cotswold towns.
Full of lovely old stone houses, the town presents some of its best 17th and 18th century frontages to the Burford High Street, although earlier buildings often lie hidden behind, glimpsed through narrow alleyways and courtyards. These are relics of the Cotswolds town’s great days as a major wool market in medieval England.
The 16th century Tolsey was the merchants’ meeting place, and is now the museum. The area around the fine wool church is a quiet almost hidden quarter of the town. Picture William Morris, the inspiration behind the Arts and Crafts movement, having a dispute here in 1876 with the vicar of the day about restoration plans for the church – Morris triumphed!
Burford is well placed for exploring the Cotswolds and is a renowned centre for the antiques trade. In the church is an inscription recording the execution of three Levellers by Cromwell’s men in 1649. This is commemorated in May each year.
Nearby villages include Fulbrook with its own fine church and Bradwell Grove, home of the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Courtesy of the Cotswold District Council
