Burford: Buildings and People in a Cotswold Town – explores the town’s stunning buildings and the rich history behind them, from its creation by medieval planners and its role in the Cotswold wool trade to its later history as a small market town. Never before have the buildings been studied in such depth, and for the first time several have been scientifically tree-ring dated. The inclusion of a house-by-house gazetteer of the main streets makes this an indispensable guide for locals and visitors alike.

Medieval Shops – like many other medieval towns, Burford’s earliest shops were probably market stalls. Some may have stood in the centre of the street or under the Tolsey colonnade. Others stood in front of the house where the owner worked: a craftsmen or butcher. Over time these stalls became permanent structures. Fifteenth century shops are recognisable by their wide four-centered arched windows.

Building with Stone – in Burford, stone buildings can reflect the status of a building and the owner’s needs. Dry-stone walled structures were the cheapest to build, while on the contrary, dressed ashlar structures were more likely to be used for better quality homes.