Discover Stow on the Wold
At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and at the point where several roads meet.
The Market Square is large and impressive and testifies to the town’s former importance. It is surrounded by town houses, independent shops, antique centres, cosy cafes and inns all built in the mellow local stone, and it has been the focus of town life over many centuries, with the medieval market stocks at one end, the ancient market cross at the other and the impressive St Edwards Hall standing in the centre.
It has a long history and had a special importance in the English Civil War - the Battle of Stow on the Wold, fought at nearby Donnington in 1646, saw the defeat of the last royalist field army. St Edward’s Church, was used as a prison for the defeated Royalist troops, as it was the only lockable building in the town. Some of the damage sustained at this time can still be seen today and in the churchyard is the tombstone of Captain Hastings Keyte, who died at the battle. St Edwards church is also famous for its‘Tolkienesque’ North Door flanked by two ancient yew trees, supposedly the inspiration for the 'Doors of Durin' in the Lord of the Rings.
Not far away from the town centre are the old wells in Well Lane where you can view the ramparts of an Iron Age fort.
Twice a year, in May and October travellers gather from all over the country to meet on the outskirts of town, with lots of horses, ponies and Romany caravans.