Burford's Buildings, Central High Street
West Side: Priory Lane to Sheep Street
The western side of central High Street, rising gently from Priory Lane, also contains several medieval buildings, although most are hidden behind later façades and shopfronts. The row included two of Burford's principal medieval inns, both near the crossroads: the George (No. 104) and the New Inn (No. 124), later renamed the Crown. A small nearby building (No. 96) bears the mark of prominent 16th-century mercer Simon Wisdom. Four other buildings became inns or pubs in the 18th or 19th centuries, when most neighbouring buildings were shops. Two of Burford's cramped 19th-century cottage yards grew up behind Nos. 56 and 64 (The College) and No. 104 (George Yard).
Collection Items
Behind the 17th- and 18th-century fronts of these four separate houses and shops are remains of more medieval buildings. Nos.
This imposing, early 18th-century ashlar front in Taynton stone hides remains of a 15th- or 16th-century building behind.
A 17th-century front (now rendered) hides another building of medieval origin.
Though substantially remodelled both buildings are of medieval origin, and were apparently of moderately high status.
At No. 94, now called Christmas Court, the canopy with supporting columns, the boxed shopfront, and the bay windows are all 19th-century.