Pictures of Fairford

About Fairford

A striking feature of this wonderful Cotswold town is the parish church dedicated to St.Mary the Virgin, which has stained glass windows that are world famous. It is a late 15th-century church with a beautifully decorated central tower which reflects the prosperity of local wool merchants, who gave generously to the church. The church has an elaborate beauty, it is a constant source of fascination with its rare and beautiful 28 windows fitted with glorious 15th century stained glass depicting biblical stories. Of the church's other treasures to be seen are; monuments, intricate screens, misericords and beautifully adorned roofs. Like the cool interior, the view of the church rising above Faiford, is simply overwhelming.

Fairford was granted a market charter in the year 1135 but it is believed that village has its origins way back in the Bronze Age. Like many other Cotswold towns and villages Fairford benefitted from the stability and prosperity of the Middle Ages when rich merchants made the village a centre for the wool industry. It is they, we have to thank for the many lovely buildings to be seen today.

Such buildings include the gracious honey coloured Cotswold stone properties that line the streets of this sprawling town and of the other historic properties the 16th-century Bull Hotel is of note, so too is the Old Mill, mentioned in the Domesday book.

Fairford has the distinction of welcoming visitors from all over the world to it's renowned International Air Show, it also holds an annual Steam Rally. It has delightful shops and inns and offers delightful walks along the lovely banks of the River Coln. Fairford is set in some famously beautiful countryside and is surrounded by several other delightful Cotswold villages