This
book considers the development of Bromyard from Saxon times. Probably as
early as the 8th century had an important minster church which lay at
the heart of Plegelgate Hundred.
Before 1066 Bromyard was the
administrative centre of a large manor that belonged to the bishop of
Hereford. Here stood not only the minster church and the bishop of
Herefords' palace but also the houses of the vicar and the three
portioners of Bromyard Minster. Surrounding this ecclesiastical complex
were common open fields wherein the bishop and the portioners held their
share of the farmland belonging to the manor. In the thriving days
following the Norman Conquest, the settlement at Bromyard became a town
and planned borough with a market place and seven streets. The local
population was expanded by traders, craftsmen, workers and others who
moved here for the opportunities that Bromyard offered.
New
opportunities are still attracting people and families to the district
and Bromyard, Minster, Manor & Town considers recent
developments in the town as well as the surrounding farms that in the
past have contributed to the prosperity of Bromyard. Bringsty Common,
Bromyard Downs and Brockhampton are given special consideration.
