Editing Stow-on-the-Wold

{{Short description|English market town in Gloucestershire}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox UK place 
|country = England
|region = South West England
|official_name = Stow-on-the-Wold
|static_image_name = Market Square - Stow on the Wold.jpg
|static_image_width = 280
|static_image_caption = Market Square
|civil_parish = Stow-on-the-Wold
|shire_district = [[Cotswold (district)|Cotswold]]
|shire_county = [[Gloucestershire]]
|os_grid_reference = 
|coordinates = {{coord|51|55|48|N|01|43|21|W|display=inline,title}}
|label_position = top
|population = 2,042
|population_ref = (2011 Census)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11129201&c=stow-on-the-wold+cp&d=16&e=62&g=6426889&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1427019404040&enc=1 |title=Parish population 2011 |website=[[Office for National Statistics]] |access-date=22 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402092322/https://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11129201&c=stow-on-the-wold+cp&d=16&e=62&g=6426889&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1427019404040&enc=1 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|dial_code = 01451
|post_town = CHELTENHAM 
|postcode_district = GL54
|postcode_area = GL
|constituency_westminster = [[North Cotswolds (UK Parliament constituency)|North Cotswolds]]
}}
'''Stow-on-the-Wold''' is a [[market town]] and [[civil parishes in England|civil parish]] in [[Gloucestershire]], England, on top of an 800-foot (244 m) hill at the junction of main roads through the [[Cotswolds]], including the [[Fosse Way]] (A429), which is of Roman origin. The town was founded by [[Normans|Norman]] lords to absorb trade from the roads converging there. [[Fair]]s have been held by royal charter since 1330; a horse fair is still held on the edge of town nearest to Oddington in May and October each year.

==History==
===Early===
Stow-on-the-Wold, originally called Stow St Edward or Edwardstow after the town's patron saint Edward, probably [[Edward the Martyr]],<ref name="BHO">{{Cite book |chapter-url=https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/glos/vol6/pp142-165 |editor-last=Elrington |editor-first=C. R. |editor-link=Christopher Elrington |chapter=Parishes: Stow-on-the-Wold |date=1965 |title=A History of the County of Gloucester: Volume 6 |location=London |publisher=[[Institute of Historical Research]] |pages=142–165 |via=[[British History Online]] |access-date=23 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090510091033/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=66438 |archive-date=10 May 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref> is said to have originated as an [[Iron Age]] [[fort]] on this defensive position on a hill. There are other sites of similar forts in the area, and [[Stone Age]] and [[Bronze Age]] [[burial mounds]] are common throughout the area. It is likely that [[Maugersbury]] was the primary settlement of the parish before Stow was built as a marketplace on the hilltop nearer to the crossroads, to take advantage of passing trade. Originally the small settlement was controlled by [[abbots]] from the local [[abbey]], and when the first weekly market was set up in 1107 by [[Henry I of England|Henry I]], he decreed that the proceeds go to [[Evesham Abbey]].<ref name="BHO"/>
[[File:St Edwards Church - Stow on th Wold.jpg|thumb|Ancient [[Taxus baccata|yew trees]] at the north porch of St Edward's Church]]
In 1330, a royal charter by [[Edward III]] set up an annual 7-day market to be held in August. The royal charter granted a fair where sheep and horses were allowed to be sold.<ref name="BHO"/><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Elder |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQAnCgAAQBAJ |title=50 Gems of the Cotswolds: The History & Heritage of the Most Iconic Places |date=2015-07-15 |publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited |isbn=978-1-4456-4671-8 |language=en}}</ref> In 1476, [[Edward IV of England|Edward IV]] replaced that with two 5-day fairs, two days before and two days after the feast of [[Philip the Apostle|St Philip]] and [[James the Just|St James]] in May, and similarly in October on the feast of [[Edward the Confessor]] (the saint associated with the town). The aim of the annual [[charter fair]]s was to establish Stow as a place to trade and alleviate the unpredictability of the passing trade. These fairs were located in the [[Town square|square]], which is still the town centre.<ref name="BHO" />

===Civil war===
Stow played a role in the [[English Civil War]]. A number of engagements took place in the area, the local church of St Edward being damaged in one skirmish. On 21 March 1646, the [[Cavalier|Royalists]], commanded by Sir [[Jacob Astley, 1st Baron Astley of Reading|Jacob Astley]], were defeated at the [[Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold]], with hundreds of prisoners being confined for some time in St Edwards.<ref name="Bingham2010">{{Cite book |last=Bingham |first=Jane |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AiSkGUrSrEMC&pg=PA58 |title=The Cotswolds: A Cultural History |date=2010-02-18 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-195398755 |pages=58– |access-date=1 December 2012}}</ref> This battle took place one mile north of Stow-on-the-Wold. After initial royalist success, the superiority of the parliamentary forces overwhelmed and routed the royalist forces. Fleeing the field, the royalists fought a running fight back into the streets of Stow, where the final action took place, culminating in surrender in the market square.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold (1646) |url=http://www.battlefieldsofbritain.co.uk/battle_stow_on_the_wold_1646.html |website=Battlefields of Britain |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829121246/http://www.battlefieldsofbritain.co.uk/battle_stow_on_the_wold_1646.html |archive-date=29 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Modern ===
As the fairs grew in fame and importance, so did the town. Traders dealing in [[livestock]] added many handmade goods, and the [[wool trade]] was always prominent.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stow on the Wold |url=https://www.cotswolds.info/places/stow-on-the-wold.shtml |website=Cotswolds Info |access-date=21 July 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511175248/https://www.cotswolds.info/places/stow-on-the-wold.shtml |archive-date=11 May 2020}}</ref> [[Daniel Defoe]] reported in the 18th century that 20,000 sheep were sold in one day.<ref name=":0" /> Many alleys known as 'tures' that run between buildings into the market square were used in herding sheep to be sold.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stowonthewold.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=53 |title=A Brief History |website=Stow on the Wold Town Council |access-date=2013-05-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724083624/http://www.stowonthewold.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=53 |archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref> From the mid-19th century, the [[The Talbot, Stow-on-the-Wold|Talbot Hotel]] was the venue for corn merchants carrying out their trade.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=The Talbot Hotel (and rear extensions)|num=1088797|access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>

Most of the buildings around the market square dated from the 18th to 19th century including St Edward's Hall (the present-day library).<ref name=":0" />

As the wool trade declined, people began to trade in horses. The practice continues, although the fair has been moved from the square to a large field near the village of [[Maugersbury]] every May and October. It remains popular, with roads around Stow blocked by the extra traffic for many hours.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://calendarcustoms.com/articles/stow-horse-fair/ |title=Stow Horse Fair |website=Calendar Customs |access-date=21 July 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529132529/http://calendarcustoms.com/articles/stow-horse-fair/ |archive-date=29 May 2018 }}</ref>

However, there has been controversy surrounding Stow Fair. The many visitors and traders have attracted more vendors not dealing in horses. Local businesses used to profit from the increased custom, but in recent years most pubs and shops close for 2–3 miles around due to the risks of theft or vandalism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/4359734.stm |title=Tearoom bouncers tackle fair fear |date=20 October 2005 |website=BBC News}}</ref>

==Governance==
The town belongs to the Stow [[Wards and electoral divisions of the United Kingdom|electoral ward]], which covers the parishes of Stow-on-the-Wold, [[Maugersbury]] and [[Swell, Gloucestershire|Swell]]. In 2010 these parishes had a total population of 2,594. Stow ward is represented on [[Cotswold District Council]] by the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrat]] Councillor Dilys Neill, who was first elected in the 2016 local elections.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://meetings.cotswold.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=121 |title=Dilys Neill |website=Cotswold District Council |access-date=17 June 2023}}</ref> The Stow Division is represented on [[Gloucestershire County Council]] by the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] Councillor Mark Mackenzie-Charrington.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=18111|title=Cllr Mark Mackenzie-Charrington |website=Gloucestershire County Council |access-date=16 January 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419123938/https://glostext.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mgUserInfo.aspx?UID=18111 |archive-date=19 April 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Stow-on-the-Wold also has a Parish Council with 10 members.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://stowonthewold-tc.gov.uk/council/councillors |title=Stow Town Council Members |website=Stow-on-the-Wold Town Council |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911201406/https://stowonthewold-tc.gov.uk/council/councillors |archive-date=11 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[Scotts of Stow]], a mail order company, also has two shops in the town.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.scottsofstow.co.uk/ |title=Home |website=Scotts of Stow |access-date=18 August 2020}}</ref>

==Media==
Local news and television programmes are provided by [[BBC South]] and [[ITV Meridian]]. Television signals are received from the [[Oxford transmitting station|Oxford]] and local relay transmitters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Oxford|title=Full Freeview on the Oxford (Oxfordshire, England) transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate= 5 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://ukfree.tv/transmitters/tv/Icomb_Hill|title=Freeview Light on the Icomb Hill (Gloucestershire, England) transmitter|date=1 May 2004|website=UK Free TV|accessdate= 5 October 2023}}</ref>

Local radio stations are [[BBC Radio Gloucestershire]], [[Heart West]], [[Greatest Hits Radio South West]] and Cotswolds Radio, community based radio station <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cotswoldsradio.com/|title=Cotswolds Radio |access-date=5 October 2023}}</ref>

The town is served by the local newspaper, Cotswold Journal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britishpapers.co.uk/england-wmids/cotswold-journal/|title=Cotswold Journal|date=19 March 2014|website=British Papers|accessdate=5 October 2023}}</ref>

==Popular culture==
[[File:Church and churchyard.jpg|thumb|St Edward's Church]]

* Given its exposed spot on the top of Stow Hill, the town is often referred to as "Stow on the Wold, where the winds blow cold."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thecotswoldsguide.com/Stow-on-the-Wold |title=Stow-on-the-Wold  |website=Cotswolds Guide |access-date=21 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822184853/http://thecotswoldsguide.com/Stow-on-the-Wold/ |archive-date=22 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Stow-on-the-Wold, Where the wind blows cold.<br/>
Where horses young and old are sold,<br/>
Where farmers come to spend their gold,<br/>
Where men are fools and women are bold,<br/>
And many a wicked tale is told.<br/>
High on the freezing Cotswold.}}

* Stow-on-the-Wold featured prominently in the eleventh episode of series 6 of ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', when [[Jeremy Clarkson]] reviewed the [[Ford F-Series]] there. He chose it as a venue because it is a typical community in the English countryside, which Clarkson compares to the American countryside in the episode.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/11216587.top-gear-trio-jeremy-clarkson-richard-hammond-and-james-may-drive-into-stow-on-the-wold-to-film-new-series/ |title=Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May drive into Stow-on-the-Wold to film new series |last1=Archer |first1=Megan |date=15 May 2014 |work=Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard |access-date=21 July 2020}}</ref>
* The town, in the year 1067, is the setting of [[Kurt Vonnegut]]'s short story "The Unicorn Trap", published in the posthumous collection [[Armageddon in Retrospect]].

==Transport==
The following roads pass through the town:
* The [[Fosse Way]] ([[A429 road|A429]]) runs from the [[M4 motorway]], just north of [[Chippenham]], to the [[M40 motorway]] at [[Warwick]]
* The [[A roads in Zone 4 of the Great Britain numbering scheme|A424]] links the town centre to the [[A44 road|A44]], near [[Bourton-on-the-Hill]], which continues to [[Evesham]]
* The [[A436 road|A436]] connects [[Brockworth]] with [[Salford, Oxfordshire]].

From 1881 until 1962, the town was served by [[Stow-on-the-Wold railway station]] on the [[Great Western Railway]]'s [[Banbury and Cheltenham Direct Railway]]. The nearest station is now at [[Moreton-in-Marsh railway station|Moreton-in-Marsh]], which is {{convert|4|mi|km}} away, on the [[Cotswold Line]] between [[Hereford railway station|Hereford]] and [[London Paddington station|London Paddington]]; services are provided by [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway]]. An alternative is at {{rws|Kingham}}, {{convert|5|mi|km}} away from Stow on the same line.<ref>{{Cite web |work=Great Western Railway |title=Train Times |date=21 May 2023 |access-date=14 October 2023 |url= https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/train-times |quote=}}</ref>

Local bus services are operated predominantly by Pulhams Coaches; key routes that serve the town lead to [[Moreton-in-Marsh]], [[Hook Norton]] and [[Bourton-on-the-Water]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Stops in Stow-on-the-Wold |work=Bus Times |date=2023 |access-date=14 October 2023 |url= https://bustimes.org/localities/stow-on-the-wold |quote=}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
*[[Clement Barksdale]] (1609–1687), writer and poet, was Rector of Stow-on-the-Wold from 1660 to 1687.
*[[Edmund Chilmead]] (1610–1654), writer, translator and musician, was born in the town.
*[[George Wilkinson (architect)|George Wilkinson]] (1814–1890), was the architect of Stow-on-the-Wold Workhouse in 1836.
*[[George Pepall]] (1876–1953), county cricketer, was born in the town.
*[[Harry Ferguson]] (1884–1960), engineer and inventor of the Ferguson tractor, died in the town.
*[[Frederic Bartlett]] (1886–1969), experimental psychologist and academic, was born in the town.
*[[John Howland]] (1895–1958), county cricketer, was born in the town.
*[[John Entwistle]] (1944–2002), musician, producer and bass guitarist of [[the Who]], bought [[Quarwood]] in Stow-on-the-Wold in 1976. His funeral was held at [[St Edward's Church, Stow-on-the-Wold|St Edward's Church]].
*[[David Loder]] (born 1964), racehorse trainer, was born in the town.
*[[Kieran Shoemark]] (born 1996), jockey, grew up in the town.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://stowonthewold-tc.gov.uk/ Town council's web site]
{{commons}}
{{wikivoyage}}
{{Gloucestershire}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stow-On-The-Wold}}
[[Category:Stow-on-the-Wold| ]]
[[Category:Towns in Gloucestershire]]
[[Category:Market towns in Gloucestershire]]
[[Category:Civil parishes in Gloucestershire]]
[[Category:Cotswolds]]
[[Category:Cotswold District]]
[[Category:Charter fairs]]