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This article is about the town of Burford in Oxfordshire. See also Burford, Cheshire and places named Buford.
Looking north through Burford Burford ( [ˈbəːfəd] or [ˈbəɹ-] in the IPA) is a Cotswold town in Oxfordshire, England. It lies about 30 kilometres west of Oxford on the River Windrush and is a popular centre for tourists who visit the Cotswolds. The name derives from the Old English words 'burh' meaning fortified town or hilltown and 'ford' meaning ford.
The town centre features some houses dating from the 15th century. Its most notable building, however, is the Norman parish church. The church itself dates from the 15th century.
In 1649, the church was used as a prison during the English Civil War when the New Model Army Banbury mutineers were held there. Some of the 340 prisoners left carvings which can still be found in the church.
Between the 14th and 17th century Burford was important for its wool. The Tolsey is located in the centre of Burford's High Street: this was once the centre of the wool trade. Today, the Tolsey is home to a museum.
Burford is home to the Blue Cross National Animal Welfare Charity.
Burford School, a mixed comprehensive secondary school, is also situated in the town, as is the Priory of Our Lady, a community of Anglican Benedictine monks and nuns.
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