About the Cotswolds
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The Cotswolds is England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It lies predominantly in the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire but also stretches into Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset. It covers 800 miles of unspoilt countryside and rolling hills dotted with villages and market towns built of a characteristic honey coloured limestone. It has gardens, castles and country houses, limestone grassland and ancient beech woodland. It is crossed by miles of drystone walls, hedgerows and footpaths.
The Cotswolds are primarily composed of Jurassic limestone, known as Cotswold Stone. This limestone was formed approximately 150 million years ago during the Middle Jurassic period when the area was covered by warm, shallow seas. Over time, layers of sediment accumulated and solidified to form the limestone rock that characterises the Cotswolds today. The landscape of the Cotswolds is defined by rolling hills, escarpments, and valleys, all shaped by erosion over millions of years. Additionally, the geology of the Cotswolds has influenced the area's agriculture and architecture. The limestone provides fertile soil for agriculture, particularly grazing sheep, which has been a traditional livelihood in the region for centuries. Furthermore, Cotswold stone has been widely used in local, vernacular construction, but also for grander buildings such as Windsor Castle, St Paul’s Cathedral, Blenheim Palace and several Oxford Colleges. The geology of the Cotswolds has played a fundamental role in shaping both the natural beauty and heritage of this picturesque region in England.
The Cotswolds has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Originally inhabited by Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples, the area saw Roman influence with the construction of villas and roads. In the medieval period, the Cotswolds prospered due to the wool trade, leading to the development of picturesque villages and impressive churches. The region's prosperity declined in the 17th century, but it experienced a revival in the 19th century with the rise of tourism and the Arts and Crafts movement which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The culture of the Cotswolds is deeply rooted in its rural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and traditional way of life.
