Not only was Burford a thriving wool town though, but the local merchants managed the cloth trade too, with the making of leather goods, especially saddlery being of high importance. The saddlers in Burford were said to be the finest saddlers in Europe and Burford saddles even became presents for Kings such as Charles II in 1663 and later William III in 1695. Burford would have many fairs which drew traders in from far and wide. In the 14th Century the town had a midsummer fair which lasted two whole weeks. This important fair would be attended by merchants of exotic spices and luxury fabrics as well as sellers of more ordinary goods, and at this great fair it is where the price of wool for the year was settled as the representatives for the great italian financial houses would buy their wool.
(28th October 2003)
