11th October 2008 - by Ann Coveney
Broadway is a Jewel in the Crown for England
Broadway is situated at the heart of the Cotswolds. It got its
name because of the wide street and has been a traditional
coaching stop for centuries. The town is extremely pretty and
so very English. The buildings are made from local
honey-coloured stone so characteristic of the area.
The main street consists of many curiosities and antique
stores. It is very popular amongst tourists and during the
summer months it can be bursting at the seams! With a range of
excellent accommodation and restaurants, Broadway provides an
ideal base to tour the surrounding area.
Lygon Arms
One of the best known inns in Broadway you will not be
disappointed if you stay here. The inn dates back to the
sixteenth century and is set in three acres of gardens. You can
dine in the superb Great Hall with barrel-vaulted ceiling
surrounded by oak panelling and heraldic artefacts all lit by
the great open fire. Take afternoon tea on the veranda and
sleep in a four poster bed.
This is luxury accommodation with prices to match. Famous
guests include Oliver Cromwell and Charles 1.
Abbots Grange
Towards the centre of Broadway is a triangular green overlooked
by Abbots Grange. Built in the fourteenth century it retains
some of the features from that period.
In the late eighteen hundreds American artist Francis Millet
lived here and converted the building into a studio. It was
frequented by many English and American artists during the
'Arts and Crafts' movement. They wanted a retreat away from the
grimy cities where they could capture the romantic surroundings
on canvas. Writings at the time tell us that they led a
bohemian lifestyle that was tolerated if not encouraged by the
locals!
Broadway Tower
Overlooking the town is
Broadway Hill. This is the highest point in the Cotswolds. The
view is magnificent and on a clear day you can see thirteen
counties.
Sitting on top of the hill is Broadway Tower, a magnificent
English folly. Built by Lord Coventry in 1797, it was used by
the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris. You
can see some of his famous designs which are still housed in
the tower.
Dormy House
This seventeenth century building was originally named
'Willersy Hill Farm'. Originally a farmhouse it was bought by
Broadway Golf Club in the 1940's. The name comes from the
golfing term for 'unbeatable'.
Today this fantastic building is a hotel and conference centre
but it has retained all its charming features. It is worth
visiting the iron-age burial ground nearby.
Broadway and the surrounding areas prospered as a result of
sheep farming and the rise of the woollen industry. The demand
for wool changed the character of the English countryside from
forest and woodland to enclosed grassy fields with dry stone
walls.
The Cotswolds has a unique beauty with Broadway being the jewel
in the crown!
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Ann Coveney is a freelance writer and part time
school teacher. She can be hired to write
articles on a wide range of topics. The web
site she uses the most for low cost travel and
hotel booking is http://www.AskVicki.co.uk
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Article Source: http://www.bb-articles.com
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