The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Historical Description

Cotswolds, The, a hill tract in Gloucestershire, extending south-westward through the whole length of the county, from Chipping-Campden in the north to the vicinity of Bath in the south. Its length is about 50 miles; its breadth in some parts is 8 miles; its mean height is between 500 and 600 feet; and its chief summits are 1086 and 1134 feet high. Its continuity is interrupted by a broad dingle around Stroud and Minchinhampton, and its two portions north and south of this are called the Upper and the Lower Cotswolds. Its surface is partly open down —more largely enclosed sheep-walk, but breaks into many winding dales, and contains a great amount of good land and charming scenery. Its watershed divides the basin of the Lower Severn from that of the Avon, and from the headstreams of the Thames. The estates in it are large, and the seats numerous.

Church Records

The Gloucestershire Parish Registers are available online at Ancestry, in association with Gloucestershire Archives.

Land and Property

The Return of Owners of Land in 1873 for Gloucestershire is available to browse.