The village of Broadway lies in the shadow of Fish Hill five miles south-east of Evesham, an outcrop of Worcestershire projecting into the Cotswolds. Called the "show village of England" by Nikolaus Pevsner it also marks the transition from the half-timber and brick dwellings of the Vale of Evesham to the honey coloured buildings of the Cotswolds. Known as Bradanuuege (10th century); Bradeweia C11th and Bradeweye in the C13th, all roughly meaning "broad (wide) way"; Broadway`s mile long high street started life as an ancient trackway, probably a drove road, from Worcester to Oxford/London. In 972 King Edgar gave Broadway to the Abbey of Pershore, who retained control until the Dissolution in 1538. The crown sold it in 1558 to Sir William Babington who`s son, Antony, was executed for his part in the plot to overthrow Elizabeth I and free Mary, Queen of Scots; Sir William sold his estates to help pay for his sons defence. Perhaps the most well known "Lords of the Manor" were the Sheldon family, who kept the manor for over 200 years, one of whom, Anne Sheldon was said to be one of the most beautiful woman in England: the Sheldons were the originators of tapestry weaving in Britain and some of their work is in the V&A Museum in London. Broadway is home to a variety of architectural styles that all work harmoniously together to form Pevsner`s "Show Village"; the oldest house in the village is the Abbots Grange it was used by the Abbots of Evesham as a country retreat, it is C14th with Elizabethan alterations and two 20th century wings. The coming of the stage coach saw Broadway host to many travellers, it also acted as a natural stop for fresh horses for the climb up Broadway Hill. Several taverns catered for their needs, the Swan Inn, the Crown & Trumpet and the Lygon Arms, which started life (in 1532) as a private house then the White Hart Inn. Broadway has attracted artists and writers over the years and the likes of J.M.Barrie; Elgar; John Singer Sargent and Vaughan Williams have at one time lived in Broadway and the Arts and Crafts movement founder William Morris lived in Broadway Tower, a folly on Broadway Hill built by Lady Coventry in 1790. Today Broadway is still a centre for the arts and antiques and despite its popularity retains its unspoilt atmosphere.
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Self-Catering
Places to Stay near Broadway
East House (0.23 miles)
Russell's - A Restaurant With Rooms (0.27 miles)
Russell's of Broadway has hit the local scene with a brand new concept: A restaurant with rooms. Set in the centre of one of the most famous and idyllic villages ... More
Small Talk Lodge (0.29 miles)
Small Talk Lodge is situated in the beautiful village of Broadway in the Cotswolds, adjacent to the world-famous Lygon Arms hotel in the heart of the village. The Lodge offers ... More
Lygon Arms (0.32 miles)
Set in the lavish English village of Broadway, deep in the heart of the Cotswolds you will find the Lygon Arms. Come and indulge yourself with a luxury stay, soak up the renowned atmosphere in the cozy ... More | visit website
Broadway Hotel (0.39 miles)
The Broadway Hotel - a member of Classic British Hotels - is the essence of quintessential England, situated in the centre of the picturesque Cotswold village of Broadway. The excellent Courtyard Restaurant, complete with ebony ... More | visit website
Southwold House (0.58 miles)
Southwold House bed and breakfast hotel is a non-smoking B&B guest house in Broadway, Cotswolds, England with first class accommodation where you can be assured of a very warm welcome by your hosts Alyson and ... More | visit website
Old Stationhouse (0.68 miles)
Old Stationhouse offers a relaxed, friendly and peaceful place to stay, an easy 10 minute stroll from the many shops, pubs and restaurants in the beautiful Cotswold village of Broadway. ... More
Broadway Manor Cottages (0.75 miles)
Rafters is a fully self contained delightful 4* self catering holiday apartment on the first floor of The Manor House, Broadway, above a converted ancient Cotswold stone coach house dating ... More
Mill Hay House (0.98 miles)
Dormy House Hotel (1.21 miles)
The converted farmhouse dates ... More | visit website
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