Burford's history timeline

See how Burford has developed since medieval times

The Burford Tolsey Museum is housed in the historic Tolsey building at 126 High Street, Burford, OX18 4QU. Built in the early 1500s, it originally served as the town’s market house, where traders paid tolls for the use of market facilities and where the Borough Court convened.

The Museum is open daily from April to the end of October, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

During November and December, it is open on weekends only, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by prior arrangement.

Admission is free, and donations are warmly welcomed.

The Museum is closed from January to March.

The Museum is entirely staffed by volunteers, and on rare occasions, it may be closed due to volunteer illness or shortage.

Just a few minutes away in Swan Lane, the Burford Tolsey Archive preserves the town’s written and oral history, photographs, and documents—from medieval times to the present day—offering a rich record of Burford’s people and past. To make an enquiry or arrange a visit, contact the Chairman at 07899 837482 or email chairman@burfordtolsey.org.

Please note: The Museum is located on the first floor and is accessible only by stairs. Unfortunately, there are no toilet facilities on site. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us in advance—our nearby Archive building is fully accessible and our volunteers will be happy to help make alternative arrangements.

Enjoy the local history Tolsey Talks in the Burford Baptist Church starting in May 2025. For full details go to the What's On page. The talks can be purchased individually for £6 each.

A brief history

The museum contains fascinating evidence from the long, and sometimes colourful, history of Burford.

As far as possible, displays are arranged in themed cabinets. Individual labels place items in their historical context, but there is no attempt to tell a continuous story. This historical summary may therefore be useful

be useful.

Origins Saxon Burford was a village recorded in Domesday Book, with a population of about 200 in 1086.
c.1090 One of the earliest Charter Boroughs in Kingdom. Status confirmed by Kings down to James 1, 1603.
12th - 15th cent. Important industries thrived supporting wool-trade; fulling, spinning and weaving, leather tanning. Also quarrying, with some stone going to Windsor. Our Church reaches its full height.
16th cent. Further town development - new buildings including the Tolsey c. 1525.
17th cent. Merchant class develops. Corporations ruled laid down in 1605. Sir Lawrence Tanfield asserts Manorial rights. Civil war incidents, including Leveller executions. Speaker Lenthall occupied the Priory. Trade tokens issued by Town and businessmen. Building stone and masons taken to London after the Great Fire. Edward Neale made bells and bronze mortars. Burford Races - Charles II and Nell Gwynn visited. Post Town 1689.
18th cent. Important Stage and junction for 40 regular coaches. Busy streets - Inns and businesses flourished. Properties updated and re-fronted. Quaker community included clockmakers. Highwaymen apprehended.
19th cent. After busy start, railways bypass Town. Coaches reduce, businesses serve needs of local agriculture. Proposals for canal (1845) and railway (1899) through Burford but never built. Grass grows in streets. William Morris visits Town and Church.
20th cent. Lack of trade/wealth results in decline of properties, some becoming so dilapidated they are demolished. Guide books for motorised travellers foster antiquarian interest in Town, bringing new money. Hotels and antique shops cater for visitors. Many American servicemen discover the charm of Burford and the Cotswolds during WWII.
1961 Tolsey Museum opens.
1974 Burford officially becomes a Town with a Mayor.
1999 Twinned with Potenza Picena, in Italy, fostering a cultural exchange.
21st cent. The town as you see it today, with a population of about 1400.