| Gateway to the Cotswolds
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| The Magic That Is: |
| Gateway to the Cotswolds
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| Many of these building are occupied by
one of the largest concentrations of Antique Dealers anywhere in the United Kingdom. Among
these pages you can see for yourself the dozens of specialised dealers you can comfortably
visit in one day. Everything from Indian rugs and textiles to delicate porcelain, chandeliers, country & town house furniture, arts & crafts and even renovation specialists are conveniently located within a couple of hundred yards. You can visit many - but by no means all - by clicking on "Antiques". |
| Superlatives abound in every guide book - 'a
Cotswold Gem'.... 'some of the handsomest rows of houses in the Cotswolds'.... 'retains
the authentic harmony of the 17th century wool town'... 'delightful old shopping centre'
- all who visit are captivated by its special charm. In pre-historic times Tetbury was the site of the hill-fort later taken over by the Romans. The first written record of Tetbury is in 681, referring tot he well-established Saxon monastery under the control of the Abbess Tetta. Some 400 years later, it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. During the middle ages its prosperity grew as it developed as a centre for Cotswold wool and it became open of the best wool and yarn markets in the county. The lack of an adequate water supply, however, led to its decline by the 19th century and the town was left undisturbed by the Industrial revolution. |
The town's historical interest and large number of protected buildings led to it being designated an outstanding conservation area in 1971. An extensive knowledge of Tetbury's history is not necessary, however, to appreciate its appeal. Its charm lies simply in the fact that it reflects a chapter in history of both the Cotswolds and of England - evident to all who have the time to wander its ancient streets, lanes and country footpaths. There are many places of interest that you can visit, mostly
available all year roun THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. MARY THE VIRGIN |
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The parish church of St. May the Virgin was built by Francis Hiorn between 1777 and 1781. The church has recently been described by an English Heritage Building Inspector as the 'best Georgian Gothic church I have ever seen'. Extensive restoration work has restored the interior to it original 18th century line. The spire is the fourth highest in England. The main Sunday service is at 10.00 a.m. Parish Communion, with Holy communion at 8.00 a.m. and Evensong at 6.00 p.m. You can telephone the Vicar for further details on (44) 01666 502333 THE MARKET HOUSE Built in 1655, the Market House is one of the finest examples of a Cotswold pillared market house and is still in regular use as a meeting place and market. Wednesday is Market Day with Antique Stalls in the oak beamed meeting hall and general stalls at street level. It houses the Women's Institute market on Friday mornings and regular antique markets from time to time. CHIPPING STEPS The Chipping (meaning market) was for centuries the site of the 'Mop Fairs' where farm hands and domestic staff offered themselves for employment. May of the surrounding buildings have medieval origins. In the North East corner, the steep cobbled steps and weavers' cottages retain a delightful medieval atmosphere. GUMSTOOL HILL One of Tetbury's most ancient streets, now famous for the annual Woolsack Races. Legend has it that at the bottom of the hill was a pool where scolding wives and other miscreants were tied to a ducking stool or 'gumstool' and ducked under the water as punishment. POLICE BYGONES MUSEUM Situated in Old Court House, Long Street in the former Police Station and magistrates' Court, the old cells house a collection of relics from Cotswold law enforcement. Further information can be obtained from the Also at
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