Historical Evening in St John the Baptist Church

This event, which is hosted by the Friends of Burford Church and is free to visitors, is a chance for you to find out about the history of Burford’s magnificent wool church – St John the Baptist. This grade 1 listed building has a rich and fascinating history dating from its beginnings in 1175.

Come and see the monument which Henry VIII’s barber surgeon Edmund Harman erected “to his Christian memory”. Hear how the Levellers, still remembered in Burford each year, were imprisoned inside the church in 1649 and how some of them came to an unfortunate end. Visit the Tanfield Chapel and see the grandiose tomb of Sir Lawrence and Lady Tanfield, hear why they were not popular in the town and see something surprising underneath.

Volunteer guides will be all round the church to share their knowledge with you and tell some of the stories behind the history.

Refreshments will be served in the Lady Chapel by members of the Friends.