Daylesford is one of only a few villages left in the Cotswolds, entirely or largely owned by the estate on which they were originally built. Today, it is widely visited thanks to the Daylesford Farm Shop.

Of course in the first place the cottages were built for the workers and staff. In those days it was the custom on many great estates to provide cottages for all staff and their families for the whole of their lives. These settlements often became quite large, particularly as life-expectancy increased.

It was here that a crop was introduced to the area called Sainfoin, sometimes known as “holy clover”. It was largely grown as fodder for sheep and cattle on the Cotswold, as well as on the chalk downs. The blaze of brilliant pink produced by acres of it in full bloom is a distinctive feature in the landscape

Daylesford, the home of Warren Hastings, (a great 18th century English man of politics,) lies on our left as we descend the hill from Chastleton to cross the Evenlode at Adlestrop bridge. The mortal part of the great statesman lies beneath the altar of Daylesford church, for though he was buried outside the old church, the new church, erected in 1860, was extended eastwards to include his grave. In the church-yard stands a square stone pedestal supporting an urn, with the simple inscription ” Warren Hastings.”

Who does not remember the story as told by Macaulay ?

Now come on! I think that’s asking a lot. I mean like all amateur history enthusiasts I have read Macaulay but REMEMBER? That’s quite another thing.