Levellers' Plaque

A small stone marker near Burford commemorates one of England's most radical political moments - the execution of three Leveller soldiers in 1649. You won't find much here physically, just a plaque set into a wall, but the story behind it cuts deep into the English Civil War.

The Levellers were soldiers who believed in something genuinely revolutionary for the time: equality, democracy, religious tolerance. When they mutinied over unpaid wages and broken promises, Oliver Cromwell's army crushed them. Three men - Cornet Thompson, Private Church, and Private Perkins - were shot by firing squad in Burford churchyard as a warning to the rest. The plaque marks where it happened.

It's worth stopping if you're interested in Civil War history or political dissent - the kind of thing that rewards a five-minute pause rather than an hour's visit. Kids will probably find it a bit abstract unless you're prepared to explain the story properly. History buffs will get a real thrill from standing in the actual spot where something this significant took place.

Burford itself is a proper market town with decent pubs and independent shops, so it works well as a break during a Cotswolds touring holiday. You're well positioned between Wysdom Touring Park just up the road and Burford Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite two miles out. If you're basing yourself at Grove Farm Glamping Pods, it's only a short drive. The plaque is free to view and accessible at any time - no opening hours to worry about.