Since ancient times, this region to the northwest of the Upper Thames Valley has been favoured by settlers for its climate and pastoral landscapes. Nowadays, the Cotswolds symbolise the essence of rural England, with airy open uplands, sheltered in places by stately belts of beech trees, and deep valleys dotted with delightful villages and small towns. Ranging in colour from silver or cream to deepest gold, the local limestone can be seen all around and to particularly impressive effect in the great "wool" churches. An idyllic setting for a quiet exploration of the past.