Burford is a little medieval community on the River Windrush, in the Cotswold hills, in the West Oxfordshire area of Oxfordshire, England. It is usually described as the 'portal' to the Cotswolds. Burford lies 18 miles (29 kilometres) west of Oxford as well as 22 miles (35 kilometres) southeast of Cheltenham, concerning 2 miles (3 km) from the Gloucestershire border. The toponym originates from the Old English words burh implying fortified town or hilltown and also ford, the crossing of a river. The 2011 Census recorded the population of Burford parish as 1,410 as well as Burford Ward as 1,847. The town centre's most remarkable building is the Church of St John the Baptist, a Church of England parish church, which is a Quality I noted structure. Described by David Verey as "a challenging building which has actually created in a curious method from the Norman", it is known for its sellers' guild chapel, memorial to Henry VIII's barber-surgeon, Edmund Harman, including South American Indians and also Kempe discolored glass. In 1649 the church was used as a prison throughout the Civil War, when the New Model Army Banbury mutineers were held there. Some of the 340 detainees left carvings and also graffiti, which still endure in the church. The town centre likewise has some 15th-century residences and also the baroque design townhouse that is currently Burford Methodist Church. Between the 14th as well as 17th centuries Burford was essential for its wool profession. The Tolsey, midway along Burford's High Street, which was as soon as the prime focus for trade, is now a gallery.