The town itself has existed for around 900 years, and prospered greatly over many of them due to a fantastic wool trade, as the surrounded land was rich grazing area for cattle. Indeed, during the late middle ages, Burford was considered to be one of the four wealthiest towns in the country. Much of it's wool went to Italy. The much prized Cotswold Wool would be taken by pack horse or Cart to Southampton and then the Genoese ships would take the bales of wool to their home port or other italian ports.
(28th October 2003)
