Fairford, The Square c.1945

Photo ref: F145003

More about this scene

Fairford is situated on the River Coln a few miles from the Thames in Gloucestershire. It is noted for fishing, and for a fine old mill dating from a long-time dependency on wool. It was the birthplace of the Oxford Tractarian Movement's leading light, John Keble, in 1792. No doubt his zealous outlook was inspired by the fine 15th- and 16th-century church. Although very much a stone-built place, it lacks the Cotswold atmosphere of the settlements on the high wold. The Market Place, shown here, has fine 17th- and 18th-century buildings; the 3-storey ashlar-faced house right of centre is a fine example, with its rusticated ground floor stonework, fine pediment and cornice.