After the Norman Conquest six new market towns were founded in Broadway,
Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and Northleach.
Winchcombe was the head of a small shire before this. The Normans built a stone
church in nearly every manor and more than half the land was owned by
monastries. The closure of the monastries brought new gentry, whose gabled
stone houses are an important legacy. The concept of land ownership
strengthened as the open fields were whittled away or abolished by Acts of
Parliament. More corn was grown by the farmers and less sheep were kept. Farms
became larger, employing more labourers (whose cottages survive today), whilst
the trade of the towns declined.
The Lygon Arms
The Lygon Arms is steeped in history. It is intriguing
to think that, during the Civil War, King Charles I conferred with his
confidants here and Oliver Cromwell actually slept at The Inn.
Formerly The White Hart and privately owned since
1532, The Lygon Arms became part of the Paramount Group of Hotels in December
2005.
St Eadburgha's Church
The font and pillars at Old Broadway Church are Norman,
but as the church is dedicated to the Saxon St Eadburgha, it is possible that a
wooden church previously existed. The church is only used in the summer
months.
Broadway High Street
The street through Broadway was an ancient 'ridgeway' and
and the main road from Worcester to London. It remains a wide street or 'broad
way' hence the name.
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