A little town history...

We didn't really choose Stow on the Wold. It kind of chose us because it was the only village in the Cotswolds that had a furnished apartment available during the time frame we needed it. But I'm so glad it worked out this way, as it's such an easy place to love!

sheep dotting the hills around Stow

Interestingly, the term "Cotswold" comes from the word "cote" (meaning sheepfold) and the word "wold" (meaning hill, or bare hill). So I suppose a way to think of Cotswolds is "sheep fold on a hill." Which is exactly why the village of Stow on the Wold was built.

Stow was known for its sheep and wool trade

At 800 feet above sea level, Stow is the highest village in the Cotswolds and it sits at the crossroads of 6 different roads, one being the famous Roman road (The Fosse Way). It was originally known for its sheep and wool trade and supposedly as many as 20,000 sheep could be sold at an annual fair. Sheep can still be seen grazing on the hills around the village. Street names such as Well Street, Fleece Street, Sheep Street and others serve as present day reminders of the importance of sheep and their wool to the foundation of Stow on the Wold.

reminder of village history

"mews"  or row of houses converted from stables along yard or long alley

The beautiful churches here are referred to as "wool churches." That's because they were built with the wealth that was produced from the sheep and wool trade. That same wealth built the beautiful houses and villages, all with their local honey-colored limestone, which is somewhat of a “trademark” of the Cotswolds.

 

St Edwards Church, built between 11th and 15th centuries

 

There are also other evidences that remain. The narrow alleyways that run between the buildings (called ‘tures’) were used to herd sheep into the town center to be bought and sold. Can you just imagine how loud and crazy and smelly this place must have been on market days?


 

narrow alleys lead into the market square

thousands of sheep were herded down these alleys

 

Also interesting is the cross which stands in the center of the town center. It was placed there in the town's beginning as a reminder to those buying and selling to be honest and fair in their dealings.

cross in center of town (Market Square)

maybe every town should have one of these?