Moreton-in-Marsh is a town situated at the crossroads of the A429 (Fosse Way Roman road) and the A44 in the northern Cotswolds, Gloucestershire.

The popular towns of Shipston on Stour and Stratford upon Avon lie to the North, with Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water a few miles to the south.

Town Centre

Moreton-in Marsh is an historic market town, being granted its market charter in 1227, and the popular Tuesday market day sees over 200 stalls set up in the centre of the town. The High Street has many buildings in characteristic Cotswold stone, and many of the old buildings date from the 17th and 18th Centuries. The Moreton-in-Marsh and Batsford War Memorial stands in the High Street.

It is an excellent shopping centre and there are a good number of antique shops, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and several hotels.

History

In the 17th and 18th centuries Moreton became a popular coaching stop and the 'Four Shires Stone', just over 1.5 miles east of Moreton, marks the old county boundaries of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

The Curfew Tower on the corner of Oxford Street and High Street is probably 16th century. Its bell was cast in 1633 and its clock was built in 1648. The bell was rung nightly until 1860 to remind people of the risk of fire at night. It is said that it once guided home a Sir Robert Fry, lost in the fog, who gave money for its maintenance, in gratitude.

Another landmark building, the Redesdale Market Hall, was designed by the architect Sir Ernest George and built in 1887. The Market Hall stands on an island in the High Street and originally had a four arch arcade, which has now been bricked in.

King Charles I is said to have stayed at The White Hart Hotel in 1644.

Museums

Wellington Aviation Museum:

The Wellington Aviation Museum is dedicated to the history of the Vickers Wellington bomber, and to all those who served or who passed through RAF Moreton-in-Marsh on one of the many training courses for RAF bomber command during the Second World War. The museum keeps the memory of the base alive with a vast range of artefacts from World War 11 and beyond.

Attractions

Moreton-in-Marsh Show:

The Moreton-in-Marsh Show is a traditional one day Agricultural and Horse Show which is held on the first Saturday in September each year. It is one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the UK and attracts over 20,000 visitors each year.

The Show is held in a parkland setting with no permanent buildings, so is built up in the traditional way with marquees and hurdle pens giving a true country show atmosphere.

The Moreton-in-Marsh Show has all the charm of a traditional country show and offers something for everyone. Competitions are held for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, dogs, crafts, flowers and even scarecrows.

Batsford Arboretum :

Batsford Arboretum is situated one and a half miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh in the village of Batsford in the northern Cotswolds. The arboretum is one of the jewels of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. This treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

The Cotswolds are a popular walking destination and Moreton in the Marsh is no exception with three major trails - the Heart of England Way, the Monarch's Way, and the Diamond Way, all converging on the small town.

Churches

St David's Church, Moreton in Marsh:

The Church of England parish church of Saint David began as a chapel of ease for Bourton-on-the-Hill. The early history of the church in Moreton is not clear, but there is a tradition that it was rebuilt and reconsecrated in the middle of the 16th century. The nave was enlarged in 1790, most of the church was rebuilt in 1858 and the tower was replaced in 1860. The chancel and south aisle were enlarged in 1892 and the east end of the south aisle has been used as a chapel since 1927.

Accommodation and Services

There is a wide selection of accommodation in Moreton in Marsh, from small bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and holiday cottages with self catering facilities. There is a Caravan Club Site on the outskirts of the town, on the Bourton Road.