Page 22 - ESLH Ultimate Marches Guide 2025 for web.indd

Bromyard

Festivals • the downs
commonland • History
heritage • Medieval

Embark on a thrilling adventure just northeast of the county, where the
lively slopes of Frome Valley cradle the enchanting market town of Bromyard.
This historic gem, nestled on the border of Herefordshire and Worcestershire,
is bursting with character and charm, ready to captivate visitors with its
rich history and colourful market town vibes.

Back in Time effigy of a knight within St Peter’s Church,
With roots traced back to the Domesday built around 1160, this architectural gem
Book, Bromyard derives its name from Old also boasts a Saxon font and houses the
English, signifying ‘an enclosure covered or ‘Bromyard Bushel’, a cast iron bowl crafted
fenced with Broom or Gorse.’ This historic in 1670 used to standardise measures in
connection is further enriched by its twinning the area.
with Athis-de-l’Orne in Normandy, France.
Bromyard’s architectural gems include the
Bromyard’s plethora of outstanding timber- three-arched stone Petty Bridge dating back
framed shops and houses is a testament to 1810 and the adjacent Tollhouse, where
to the town’s wealth throughout the late for over 100 years a toll keeper collected
medieval period and into the 17th and turnpike payments from travellers. Tower Hill
18th centuries. In more recent times the House, a stunning black and white building
town’s prosperity centred on the hop constructed in 1630, is said to have hosted
growing industry. King Charles I during his stay.
Visit the Heritage Centre or take the history
trail around the town, keeping a keen eye Join In
out for the charming Jackson’s Almshouses, Browse independent shops and local food
erected in 1656 with the noble purpose producers, dog-friendly cafes and the
of providing a haven for ‘Poor Women of whimsical Time Machine Museum of Science
Good Character.’ Discover the 13C stone Fiction. Revel in the numerous art galleries

20 The ULTIMATE Guide to Herefordshire, The Wye Valley & The Marches