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The ancient
market town of Northleach stands at a crossroads on
the Roman Fosse Way, in an area of outstanding beauty.
Northleach
grew to prosperity in the Middle Ages when it was celebrated
throughout Europe as a major centre of the Cotswolds wool
trade.
In the
High Street the medieval property boundaries (or burgage plots)
can still be traced from the town's foundation in the 13th
century.
The compact
unspoilt town centre has changed little since 1500. Some
Tudor timber-framed buildings have survived, especially around
the Market Place, but the town is predominately built of mellow
Cotswolds stone.
Its magnificent
wool church of St Peter and St Paul is an example of Cotswolds
Perpendicular. Dating from the 15th century, the church boasts
some of the best wool merchants brasses in England.
Northleach
is noted for having a workhouse at one end of the town and
a prison at the other.
The House
of Correction, built in the 18th century, now houses the Cotswolds
Heritage Centre illustrating rural life in the area.
At the
centre of the town is Keith Harding's World of Mechanical
Music, a museum featuring self-playing musical instruments
and automata.
Close
by at nearby Yanworth stands the Chedworth Roman Villa, one
of the largest Romano-British villas in England.
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Northleach
Keith
Harding's World of Mechanical Music , High Street, Northleach,
GL54 3ET, at this museum visitors can see and hear many self-playing
musical instruments and automata that were popular during the
Victorian and Edwardian eras. All the instruments and automata
are restored and kept in perfect condition in the world famous
workshop on the premises. Guides present the instruments and
automata in the form of live entertainment in a period setting.
Shop which features many musical boxes and automata. Open:
all year (except 25-26 Dec) 10:00-18:00 Tel: 01451 860181. 
free admission to shop.
