Postcards from England Chapter 3
#260
Welcome to the pretty village of Broadway in the idyllic Cotswolds !
Good morning dear Friends 
I hope that you are all very well.
I visited Broadway on 23/07/25

Broadway is widely regarded as one of the prettiest villages in England, often called the "Jewel of the Cotswolds".
Located in Worcestershire near the Gloucestershire border, it is famous for its exceptionally wide, tree-lined high street.
It is filled with elegant, honey-colorued limestone buildings, many of which are historic coaching inns and cottages.
Despite being a village, Broadway has a vibrant, bustling centre with independent shops, art galleries, restaurants, delis, and traditional tea rooms.
During the Middle Ages, the village prospered greatly from the wool and cloth trade.
The local honey-coloured limestone was used by wealthy wool merchants to build fine houses along the high street.
In the 16th century, a new coaching route opened over Fish Hill, making Broadway a vital stagecoach stop on the journey from Worcester to London.
Inns were built to accommodate the influx of travellers, and at one point, the village reportedly had 35 inns and beer sellers.
n the late 19th century, prominent figures of the Arts and Crafts movement, including artist William Morris, settled here.
The Broadway Deli
When it comes to picture perfect it does not get any better than the Broadway Deli.
Being French & a very much of a foodie, I always look for great delis to sample local foods & cheeses. I discovered there the very tasty Burford Cheese as well as delicious home made quiches.
The Broadway Deli is located in the historic St. Patrick's building in the centre of Broadway opposite the Lygon Arms.
They work with the very best producers and suppliers both locally and from around the world who focus on the quality, integrity and provenance of their products.
And they even have half of a bright orange Fiat 500 on display in one of their windows to display their freshly baked breads & pastries inside.
The Lygon Arms Hotel
I have a funny anecdote to share with you with regards to a beautiful oldtimer classic car that was parked right across the road from the elegant Lygon Arms Hotel which I naively thought was part of presentation of the property, Until I saw a distinguished elderly gentleman with a salt & pepper moustache dressed in a tweed jacket and matching cap jump on board along with an equally distinguished salt & pepper dog before roaring away down Broadway High St.
One of the most amazing sight I have enjoyed this year is the truly remarkable pear tree in "espalier" located in front of the Lygon Arms, bearing fruits and spreading well over 10 meters high.
I did not know until then that pear trees could live well over 100 years old and that wonderful specimen is without a doubt an ancient one.
The Lygon Arms is a historic coaching inn in Broadway, with roots dating to the 14th century. It played a significant role as a key stop for travellers on the route between London and Wales.
The earliest written record of the inn is from 1377, when it was known as "The White Hart," a symbol of King Richard II.
During the English Civil War (1642–1651), the inn hosted figures from both sides of the conflict.
Oliver Cromwell stayed at the inn on the night of September 2, 1651, before the pivotal Battle of Worcester. His room is now known as the Cromwell Room.
King Charles I also used the building to meet with his Royalist supporters. The room where he held these meetings is now the Charles I Suite.
The Lygon Arms thrived as a major coaching inn during the 18th century and into the 19th century, servicing mail and passenger coaches.
The Broadway Hotel
One very happy surprise of my trip to picture perfect Broadway was discovering the beautiful Broadway Hotel where I had not been yet on my previous visits and decided to enjoy a sparkling afternoon tea.
I loved every minute of it from the beautiful design of the natural light flooded conservatory style Brasserie area featuring luscious indoor plants lovingly watered by a Lady on that early afternoon and the impeccable, charming & gracious service from the young Lady who looked after me for the service of afternoon tea.
The Broadway Hotel is a historic 16th-century, half-timbered property located on the village green in the centre of Broadway.
Originally built as a retreat for the Abbots of Pershore, the building is steeped in history and character.
Wishing you all a lovely day

Karim




Last edited by victorian67; Nov 17th 2025 at 7:08 pm.





























































