Famous Historic Faces from the Cotswolds
It's not unusual to see tourists flocking the Cotswolds, which is largely attributable to its delightful historical market towns coupled with its rolling hillsides. However, these tourists are hardly the first people to discover the charm of this rural area of England. Cotswolds boasts numerous connections with celebrities, both living and dead. Historical figures of the Cotswolds include writers, equestrians, artists and even English royalty.
While the following list is hardly exhaustive, it will give you an insight into the famous figures who have at some point resided in the Cotswolds and consequently imparted their mark on history.
Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
This World War II hero served as the Prime Minister in the UK from 1940 to 1945. He tops the list of the phenomenon leaders in the entire English history. Being the grandson of the Duke of Marlborough, Churchill grew up in Oxfordshire at the Blenheim Palace, an amazing tourist destination.
Although Churchill didn't inherit the dukedom, he was extremely fond of the place, and he proposed to his wife right there. Churchill's burial site has over time become a historical tourist attraction. Touring the Cotswolds will afford you the golden opportunity to visit the room in which he was born and even learn about his life experiences through letters, paintings, and photos.
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
Also known for his landscaping artistry, Alexander Pope was a renowned poet whose work can be accessed at the Prior Park close to Bath as well as Cirencester Park. It is during his stay in a tower located at the Stanton Harcourt Manor that this historical figure wrote the famous story, “A Lightning Romance at Stanton Harcourt.†He also finished the task of translating the Iliad in the same residence, which is why the viscount renamed the tower in his honour.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
This renowned author boasts multiple sonnets and plays, and he's easily the best-known playwright in the entire world. His work is still a powerful force to reckon with nearly 400 years after his death. People touring Cotswolds can visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, the village in which Shakespeare grew up as well as the area where his bride, Ann Hathaway, resided before marrying him.
If you're contemplating visiting the Cotswolds, you will want to stop at Oxford, Wantage, Chipping Campden and Malvern Hills among other fascinating destinations. There is plenty to discover in these ancient sites irrespective of what informs your historical interests.
Other historical celebrities having a connection with the Cotswolds include Prince Charles, William Morris, Baptist Hicks and King Alfred the Great among others.