About Burford

The town of Burford is a mediaeval ribbon development and is regarded as the true 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'. Situated approximately 20 miles west of Oxford, it's the ideal place to visit, stay or to use as a base to explore the beautiful Cotswolds region.

Burh-ford (meaning a defended settlement by a ford,) was mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, with a population of about 200. The crossing of the river Windrush later progressed from a mere ford to a bridge and Burford's ancient packhorse bridge is still doing duty at the bottom of the hill today!

Burford was the first Cotswold town to be granted a charter, (some time before 1107) and a Merchant Guild was formed. The Guild was given the right to hold a market and collect tolls from anyone wishing to trade in the town. These were paid at the Tolsey, which still stands at the corner of Sheep Street.

Burford flourished as a market town; the Cotswolds were renowned throughout Europe in the Middle Ages for sheep and wool and Burford was strategically placed for the transport of merchandise to all points of the compass. Many imposing buildings bear witness to the importance of Burford at the height of the wool trade; particularly the magnificent church of St. John the Baptist, which is of almost cathedral-like proportions. Building of the church began in about 1175.

Although the wool trade has long since vanished, much of Burford remains unchanged in appearance, with picturesque old houses, both great and small, to be seen in the High Street and side streets. Nearly all are built of the local stone, which lends a pleasing unity to the scene. The River Windrush, flanked by willow trees, winds through meadows towards Burford, passes beneath the Packhorse Bridge, round the Church and away through more meadows; fantastic for walks! However, Burford is no stranger to the present day and is flourishing today with plenty to offer its visitors, including unique buildings, shops and places to see.

To approach Burford from the south is to be confronted with one of the finest views of any ancient market town in the country. We'd highly recommend that you take your time to explore all that Burford has to offer, including its fabulous antique shops, inns and amazing buildings. Burford is also an excellent area for walking, cycling or horse riding.

For many visitors, the best part of being in the Cotswolds is simply driving along the secluded lanes and leaving the car to explore footpaths and bridleways, discovering as you go the charm of some of the most attractive countryside and villages in England.

Not only the ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds, Burford also allows easy access to the colleges of Oxford, the treasures of Blenheim Palace, the exquisite National Trust Gardens at Hidcote and the Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Burford, and in particular the church, is also famous for the Levellers movement. In May 1649 at the end of the English Civil War, 340 Levellers were rounded up and imprisoned in the church by Cromwell and his men. Carvings from the incarcerated soldiers and the bullet holes of the three executed ring leaders can still be seen to this day.

Burford Garden Company www.burford.co.uk
Burford Woodcraft www.burford-woodcraft.co.uk
Burford Needlecraft www.needlework.co.uk
Manor Cottages www.manorcottages.co.uk
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Burford Golf Club www.burfordgolfclub.co.uk