Category Archives: Fairford

Teaching the poor to read and write

by cotswoldhistory Posted on June 25, 2012

TweetThe Fairford Free School was established in 1738 as a result of bequests by Mary Barker and Elizabeth Farmor – the daughter and granddaughter of Fairford’s Lord of the Manor, Andrew Barker. Mary Barker had left money to be put … Continue reading →

Posted in Fairford, Gloucestershire | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Religion, Wealth And The Golden Fleece

by cotswoldhistory Posted on May 20, 2010

TweetThe medieval and Tudor periods in the Cotswolds saw a time of prosperity and plenty for many. From the 13th century onwards, the area developed its wool trade, using the hardy Cotswold breed of sheep, famed for its long, luscious … Continue reading →

Posted in Bibury, Chipping Campden, Cirencester, Fairford, Gloucestershire, Northleach | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Socialising And Saving: A Snapshot Of Life At Fairford Park

by cotswoldhistory Posted on May 3, 2010

TweetThe Raymond Barkers were the landed gentry of Fairford. Their family seat was Fairford Park, over 2,000 acres of prime Cotswold estate, with the 17th century house of Fairford Park at its heart. The Barkers had lived at the estate … Continue reading →

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Farming, Friendships And Beer – The Arkells Of Kempsford

by cotswoldhistory Posted on February 23, 2010

TweetWhen journalist William Cobbett was touring southern England for his Rural Rides in the 1820s, he visited the village of Kempsford in the Cotswolds, and was impressed by the place. Kempsford – near the larger village of Fairford, with its … Continue reading →

Posted in Cricklade, Fairford, Gloucestershire, Kempsford, Malmesbury, Wiltshire | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

William Cobbett And The Decay Of The Cotswolds

by cotswoldhistory Posted on February 17, 2010

TweetIn the 1820s, politician, farmer and journalist William Cobbett (1763-1835), toured the southern counties of England, looking at the plight of rural communities. Visiting the Cotswolds, he was saddened by the state of the area, commenting that many Cotswold villages … Continue reading →

Posted in Andoversford, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Fairford, Gloucestershire, Stow-on-the-Wold, Withington | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment