The Tolsey

The Tolsey is a timber-framed market hall from the 1500s standing on High Street in Burford, with symmetrical bay windows and gables on the upper floor. The ground level was built for wool trading, while upper rooms served for collecting market fees and holding court proceedings.

The structure was built in 1520 as a meeting place for merchants and became central to the town's trade activities. Its use evolved over time from a market center to a hub for local administration and justice.

The building displays tools and objects from local crafts, including rope-making equipment and traditional instruments from townspeople. These items reveal how skilled work shaped daily life in this community for centuries.

The building is easily reached on foot along High Street and is accessible for visitors to explore. It is helpful to check opening times before visiting, as they vary by season and can differ on weekends.

In the late 1500s the building held a lock-up for minor offenders, showing it was not just a trade center but also an administrative hub. The town later stored a horse-drawn fire engine there during the 1700s, reflecting how the place grew in importance for public life.