Description

Traitor’s Ford is a scenic and historic river crossing on the River Stour, located on the border between Warwickshire and Oxfordshire, roughly two miles from the village of Sibford Gower.

It is a popular spot for walkers (situated on the Macmillan Way) and is well-known for its "watersplash"—a point where the road passes directly through the riverbed.

The Origin of the Name
The name is shrouded in local legend, with two primary theories about its origin:

The Civil War Theory: The most dramatic story suggests the name dates back to the English Civil War (post-1642). Following the nearby Battle of Edgehill, it is said that local Parliamentarian sympathizers (Roundheads) were captured by Royalists, tried as "traitors," and executed at nearby Gallows Hill.

The "Trader's Ford" Theory: Many historians believe the name is actually a linguistic corruption of "Trader’s Ford." The site sits on an ancient prehistoric trackway known as Ditchedge Lane, which was a major trade route for packhorses and merchants moving goods across the region. Over centuries, "Trader" likely morphed into the more colorful "Traitor."
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Interesting Facts
Film History: If the location looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in the 1990 film Three Men and a Little Lady.

Ancient Roots: Archaeological evidence suggests the crossing has been in use since pre-Roman times, serving as a vital link for the iron-age hillforts in the area, such as Madmarston Camp.

The "Gallows": To this day, the high ground overlooking the ford is still referred to locally as Gallows Hill, keeping the darker version of the legend alive.

Details

Location

📍 52.026081, -1.513249

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