The Greyhound on Sheep Street, pictured here, is one of our wonderful venues for Burford Lit Fest. We are hopeful that the fine weather will continue so we can utilise the stunning gardens but should the weather be inclement we will be in the house.
Originally built for a wool merchant in the 15th century, it was later to become an inn and then a Temperence Hotel. In 1908 it was restored as a home and was acquired by the present owners in 1999. The Countryman magazine was published here from 1949 until 2003 and was the creation of J.W.Robertson Scott.
Sheep Street was once the main route from London to Cirencester and is so named because of the sheep markets which took place here. The stone townhouses which line both sides of the tree lined street were built between the 15th and 18th centuries and bear timbered overhangs, Tudor archways, mullioned windows and uneven roofs with moss and lichen encrusted tiles. Several were originally inns and some remain as popular hotels today.
The Greyhound is now a B&B and the courtyard itself is worthy of note: semi indoors, partially open to the skies above, it is filled with antiques and vintage collections from walking canes and watering cans to merchant tea jars. No space is left without something to remark upon, and the vista extends past the various entrances, doorways and overhanging foliage to the steps beyond, leading to a sunny, south facing garden where more adventures await.
Burford is the perfect backdrop for our celebration of all things literary. This historic Cotswold town, once famous as a sanctuary for weary travellers, offers the perfect combination of restaurants, pubs, hotels and boutique shopping along side serene tranquility which makes it the perfect weekend away.
So whether you are joining us for our author chats, want to learn the traditional art of book binding or writing poetry at one of our workshops then why not make a long weekend of it.
If you would like more details about where to stay, here are links to a few of our favourites.
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