Violette Szabo was a secret agent working for the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Violette took on special missions behind enemy lines following the death of her French officer husband at the Battle of El Alamein and because of her bravery was awarded the George Cross (the first woman to receive the award) and the Croix du Guerre. Violette was captured, tortured and executed in 1945 by the Germans, while to honour her memory and that of her husband Etienne Szabo their daughter Tania supports The Violette Szabo Museum that enables people to learn about her parents’ bravery during the war. The museum opened its doors in June 2000 and was the brain child of Rosemary Rigby MBE who was Violette’s aunt.
The Museum is located in the grounds of a small house named Cartref where Violette spent many happy childhood days and did indeed stay between her missions to France during the war.
This will be a car sharing trip, leaving the Conquest Car Park at 1.00pm. The tour starts at 3.00pm led by her Aunt, Rosemary Rigby. There is no charge, but donations towards the running of the museum will be gratefully accepted (cash only).
During excavations in 2017 at Rowden Abbey pot shards from the 15th/ 16th century were found on the island at Rowden Abbey. The shards were put together recently using a two part epoxy resin Milliput putty by Hilary Higgot, one of the archaeology team members. A container full of sand was used to support the shards as they were put together.
The vessel is in the possession of Earnest Wainright and on display at Rowden Abbey.
The society has published a new book ‘Growing up in Grendon Bishop’ – a childhood reminscence by Leah Handley.
Leah Handley was born in Grendon Bishop in 1920, the third of five children. She loved her rural childhood in the interwar years and her time as a pupil at Bredenbury School, and although she moved to Birmingham when she grew up, as an “old lady of 72” (her words), she jotted down a few reminiscences of her childhood for some young friends living close by. This is a charming account of country life in the 1920s, and a splendid addition to any local history library.
You can buy a copy from our online shop, from the LHS centre or from History on Broad St.
Our July visit was to the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick. Most people would know that Warwick has a castle, but few would be aware of the existence of the Lord Leycester Hospital. This magnificent building, which is over 900 years’ old and one of the few survivors from fire in the 17th Century. We were greeted by Jan Brodie Murphy, a Bromyard girl, who is now a brother in the community.
Over 700 years ago, the United Guilds of Warwick built their headquarters consisting of a conference room, banqueting hall, mansion for the Master of the Guilds, storage rooms and lodgings for travellers. The Guildsmen built this splendid example of medieval half-timbered buildings with trees felled in the 1200’s from forests across England. Today, the site survives intact and tops the list of most complete and important medieval buildings in the British Isles.
Today, the Master and Brethren still live in the community of the Lord Leycester established by Robert Dudley. Within the honey-coloured half-timbered walls it is as if time stood still. The Master and Brethren still wear Tudor livery and adhere to an ancient way of life. The Royal Hospital Chelsea, with its in-pensioners in their scarlet coloured livery are famous worldwide – The Lord Leycester is a much older, quieter and smaller forerunner of this most English of institutions. However, both have stood the test of time and still provide a place of sanctuary for those who have sacrificed to serve their country.
On the 26th June 2025 as part of their tour of summer visits, members of the Bromyard & District Local History Society were given a guided tour of Rowden Mill Station by Paul and Cecilia. This coincides with the ‘railway 200’ celebrations since 2025 is the 200th anniversary of modern train travel.
Brief History notes for Rowden Mill Station Opened 1st September 1897 Opened as part of the final section of the Worcester, Bromyard and Leominster Railway, the railway was bought out of bankruptcy by the Great Western Railway in 1888, which completed the line in 1897
Closed 15th September, 1952 After the Second World War, and with the greater use of the motorbus and private cars, traffic on the line fell considerably. Unstaffed as a station from September 1949, the line closed to regular passenger services on 15 September 1952.
On 26 April 1958, a special train organised by the Stephenson Locomotive Society ran from Worcester Shrub Hill to Leominster, via Bromyard, calling at Rowden Mill, Fencote and Steens Bridge. The 50 society members rode on the last train that would run on the complete track before it was removed. The Worcester to Bromyard section was subsequently closed under the Beeching Axe in 1964. Purchased in dilapidated state on 28th September 1984 by John, Sue & James Wilkinson Restored in 1985 (The 150th Anniversary year of the Great Western Railway)
The Rowden Mill site was purchased privately in 1984 and was restored. Two sections of track were also reinstalled. Rolling stock of various types including coaches, brake vans and goods vans have been located on the line at various times in the recent past. In March 1989 received the ‘Ian Allan Railway Heritage Award for the ‘Best Renovated Non-Working Station’. It was presented at Stationers Hall in London (21-03-89) by Lord Montague.
Purchased by Paul Kirwan and Cecilia Chavez-Brandon on the 9th of June, 2017.
Cecilia and Paul have continued the work started by the Wilkinsons. Along with the restoration of the cattle dock on the green platform, currently in preservation at Rowden Mill Station are: a 1962 Inspection Saloon Coach (DB999508), 1947 Brakevan (GWR35251), a 1961 BR VanWide (B782879), 1937 GWR ventilated Goods Van (‘Mink) and a 1950s BR Shocvan (B853318)In December 2023, Rowden Mill Station received a National Railway Heritage Award for ‘ Restoration on a Closed Line’ (category sponsored by National Highways). It was presented at Merchant Taylors Hall in London by Bill Reeve, Director of Transport Scotland. With the blue plaque commemorating this award unveiled at Rowden Mill station on 2nd September 2024. With over 200 visitors, it was also an Open Day; successfully raising funds in aid of the renovations of Bredenbury Village Hall.
On the 26th February 2025, at the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards 2024, Rowden Mill Station was awarded a ‘Judge’s Commendation’ for ‘Restoration of the Year’
Rowden Mill station SMR Number : 30874 Grid Reference : SO 6270 5653 Parish : WACTON, HEREFORDSHIRE OS; map 1964 (2). OS map 1st Edition 13 SE shows no railway. (1) Photo. Station restored over a period up to 1984. Received BR’s Heritage Award in 1989 (3, p128). Owner provides holiday accommodation in former LMS Inspection saloon (4, p179). Line continues maps OS map 1964 65 SW, 65 NE (2), OS map 1st Edition 21 NW, 21 SW shows no railway. (1) Monument Type(s) RAILWAY STATION (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
On 12th June 2025 we enjoyed a group visit to Wenlock Priory which followed on from Will Motley’s talk on 9th April. We arrived in the morning with time for coffee, exploring the town and lunch before our visit to the Priory itself. The Museum was interesting and informative and the church and Guildhall also worth visiting.
Whilst the morning was dry, as we headed to the Priory reception, the rain started and lasted for most of our visit. Fortunately, there were trees and a remaining roofed part of the Cloister to shelter under whilst our guide, Susan, gave us an informative and interactive talk about the history of the Priory and remaining stonework. Happily, we were joined by Will Motley who was able to add lots of interesting detail.
The rain eased off a little allowing us to explore the ruins of which the elaborately carved Norman Chapter House was particularly stunning. There was also the lavabo, cloister garden with anthropomorphic topiary, and a collection of Mediaeval to Victorian tiles to admire.
Of course, as our visit ended and we set off home the rain eased and blue sky began to appear!
Firstly, a huge thank you to Debbie and Peter for hosting the afternoon at Thornbury on Monday 19th May. The weather was glorious – warm and sunny but not overly hot. We had a wonderful turn out at the church for Debbie’s talk after which a general discussion and Q&A ensued with much members’ knowledge being shared. Tea and yummy cakes were served in the garden afterwards and hopefully a good time was had by all.
We sold £24 worth of the new Thornbury Church publication and we raised a further £132 from donations which has been split equally between the History Society and St Anna’s Church.
We look forward to seeing another good turn out for Rowden Mill Station on 26th June. David Grant and I did a site visit earlier in the week and a flyer and an update on the format and parking arrangements will be circulated in a few days’ time. In the meantime, enjoy these photos from Thornbury. Joy Hoyle
On 30th March 2025 Phyllis died peacefully at home in Skenfrith with her family, aged 100 years. Historian, author and farmer; Phyllis was born in Birmingham to Frank and Dolly Cope. Frank, was a successful motorsport racer who owned and managed a popular garage and motorcycle dealership.
During the second world war she served with the ATS and NAAFI. Afterwards travelling to Ontario to work on a market garden farm. When she returned she bought a farm near Bromyard where she established a dairy herd, married Noel and raised her family. At this time she helped found the Bromyard and District Local History Society and started a lifelong interest in researching and writing books on local history. She did volunteer work at both the Samaritans and Citizens Advice Bureau in Worcester; and served for a time as Director and Chairman of the Samaritans. She also volunteered for a time at Bromyard Hospital manning a trolley with toiletries and chocolates. Phyllis spent her last 30 years living in Skenfrith and will be lovingly remembered by her six children; Caroline, Tim, Meg, Jon, Ben and Kate. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her funeral service will be held at St Bridget’s Church, Skenfrith on Tuesday 29th April at 1pm. All are welcome to attend. Please wear colours that reflect a celebration of Phyllis’s life. Please make any charitable donations to St Bridget’s Church or St Michael’s Hospice, who lovingly cared for her and the family during her final days.
This talk by Will Motley will explore the history of Wenlock Abbey, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, from the earliest foundation of Wenlock Priory up the end of the 20th Century, with new information about the Milnes Gaskell family at Wenlock Abbey in the 19th century and their visitors such as Henry James, Thomas Hardy and many others. The talk will discuss this rare architectural gem and show pictures of the interior of the Prior’s Lodgings.
Will Motley was born in Much Wenlock and grew up at the Abbey, which was owned by members of his family from the 1540s to the 1980s.
An exciting new initiative, Food Stories of Bromyard, by the BDLHS will be officially launched on the 3rd of April, between 5 and 8pm in the Oak Room at the Falcon Hotel in Bromyard. As refreshments will be served we would appreciate that you email Jayne at jayne@foodscapes.co.uk letting her know you will be attending by 27th March.
Jayne Bradley (a freelance food project manager) has been interviewing local farmers and food producers for the archive, with a grant awarded by HM Government, Cultural Development Fund.
She has interviewed 8 local farmers and producers. The interviews will go into our archive. For a sneak preview of one of the interviews click on the image to the right.
She has also created a map for visitors to Bromyard (above) which will be available across the town. The map will pinpoint all the significant food locations across the area. People will also be able to go online and download a recording of the best of the clips from the oral history interviews.
Jayne was keen for visitors to our town to be able to find out more about past and present stories of farming and food production in the area and to feel connected to Bromyard’s significant food history. Jayne wants to continue to develop awareness of the amazing food economy of the town and the rich history of agriculture in the area. She wants to put Bromyard on the Food Map and Food Stories of Bromyard is another step in that direction.
On Saturday 1st March we had an excellent talk on Stained Glass in and around Bromyard by Rob Walker author of ‘The Medieval Stained Glass of Herefordshire and Shropshire’.
Rob set the scene with a short video on the making of stained glass and the techniques involved before introducing us to the evolving styles of stained glass from medieval times to the present with examples from across Herefordshire and Shropshire.
It was impressive to hear just how many stained glass makers were operating in the 19th and early 20th centuries: some of them familiar names such as Kempe and Burne-Jones but also others less well known.
Rob then talked us through the stained glass of St Peter’s in Bromyard and many of the local churches including work by Kempe in Bockleton, Hamnish and Tedstone Delamere, Hardman in Thornbury (left) and Burne-Jones at Leysters.
Plenty of inspiration for more informed visits to lots of local churches!
Stained Glass in Bromyard and the Surrounding Village Churches by Rob Walker 1st March at the LHS centre on Sherford St, 14:00 – 16:00 Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served at half time. £10.00 per person, booking essential before 14th February. Numbers are limited so please book by email to anna.ross@live.co.uk to ensure there are remaining places. Payment can be made online via the button below, at the LHS or HOBS on Broad St. (more…)
Our next talk will be on the 12th of March at the Conquest Theatre – 7.30pm.
The Hill & Evans Vinegar Line and the Worcester Gas Works – the industrial history of the Shrub Hill area, now designated as a regeneration zone. Two chemists founded the world’s largest vinegar works in 1830, later producing 2 million gallons of malt vinegar annually. To aid distribution, in 1872 a railway track linked the Great Filling Hall to Shrub Hill station sidings, crossing Pheasant Street and the canal.
This illustrated talk by Chris Wilkinson will chart the line from Worcester’s motive power depot to the vinegar works at Lowesmoor with many then & now images and humorous anecdotes scattered throughout the talk. Book Here
Everyone is welcome, members free, guests £6.00. Tea, coffee, snacks and a full bar will be available together with a raffle – a good social evening with an interesting talk.
It would be helpful if you can pre-book before the event through the theatre booking system. This saves queuing at the box office before the start of the talk. Even though there is no charge for members, a complete list of those attending is required for fire safety reasons. Members will receive an email with a password allowing free booking. Book online: Here or telephone 01885 488575 – Saturday and Wednesday mornings.
On Sunday 8th December we met at the Falcon for the Bromyard and District Local History Society Christmas Lunch. Sue Cooper welcomed us and introduced Jane Bradley and her Food Stories of Bromyard information boards.
Beautifully cooked turkey, ham and a sweet potato Wellington were served carvery style with plenty of different vegetables (there were some very laden plates!) followed by a choice of puddings and then coffee. Natalie and Sue organised a raffle with some great prizes to round of the event and we all went home with a copy of the Food Stories map.
The Society held its annual AGM at The Falcon on the evening of 18th November with the agenda following that published to members earlier, along with a proxy voting form.
The meeting was attended by upwards of 30 members, a very good turn out considering the weather, and also a number of members made use of their proxy voting forms.
The minutes of last year’s AGM and the Trustees Reports and Financial Statements for the year ended 30th April, 2024 were passed and the following Trustees were elected for the forthcoming year: Hugh Farey, David Grant, Debbie Hughes, Jane Merry, Cliff Morris, Mandy Palmer and Anna Ross. The Officers elected for the forthcoming year were: Chairman: Sue Cooper; Secretary: Natalie Miller; Treasurer: Ian Campbell.
A note for your diary: the AGM 2025 will be held on November 10th at 7pm.
Many thanks go to all who came along and supported the Annual Christmas Fair at the Local & Family History Centre on Saturday.
Whether you came along to visit, help on a stall, made or donated mince pies or gave raffle prizes, thank you, it was very much appreciated.
You’ll be pleased to know it raised approximately £200.00 on the day.
Everyone who attended, very much enjoyed the mulled drinks and mince pies and it was also a lovely social occasion with members of the Society and the public. Mandy Palmer
Our new BDLHS 2025 calendar is available to buy from the the Centre shop, HOBS and from our online shop. It features a selection of fascinating photos from our collection. Priced at just £5.00 (£6.90 incl P&P within the UK) it makes a great gift although you’ll probably also want to keep one for yourself!
Featuring 13 monthly pages there is plenty of space to record appointments, birthdays and reminders. And as there is also a January 2026 page you can ensure that until your next calendar arrives you have a little extra overlap.
On Saturday 5th October a Family History Open Day was held at the Local & Family History Centre in Sherford Street. We opened at 10.30am and it wasn’t long before the first couple of researchers arrived. Several of our extremely well qualified volunteers were kind enough to give their time to help. We were also joined by the Herefordshire Family History Society who proved to be a great help. We had a wonderful turnout on the day, of people researching local Bromyard families as well as some researching their property and family from outside our district. Amazingly, two researchers who moved into the area from elsewhere discovered they had ancestors from Bromyard, it is said that we tend to go back to our roots! We ended the day at 4pm absolutely exhausted but very pleased and satisfied that we were able to help so many people. The researchers on the day were so happy that they have promised to return as soon as they can to find out more about their roots. The day was such a success that we will be holding another Open Day next Spring, so watch this space! In the meantime, the research room at the Local & Family History Centre is open every Thursday & Friday 10am – 4.30pm (closed 1pm-2pm for lunch) and Saturday 10am – 12.30pm. Our volunteers are always on hand to help. There is no fixed charge except for printouts but donations are very much welcome to keep us going. We have no public funding but rely on fundraising, members subsciptions and donations from the public.
On Thursday 29th August our Chairman Alex Hoyle died suddenly whilst out cycling aged only sixty six years old. This news came as a terrible shock to us all. Alex Hoyle and his wife Joy moved to Herefordshire in 1998. They rented a cottage in Burley Gate for several months whilst waiting to occupy Wootton Farm in Pencombe. Alex’s background had been in the building trade. That was the start of a friendship with Barry and Erica Lawrence who introduced them to the Bromyard & District Local History Society about 2000. Alex joined the History Society at a time when the newly purchased History Centre was being adapted for our use. Members assisted with the decoration and there are photos of Alex, being tall, painting ceilings and many other tasks. Alex’s first term, of four as Chairman of the Society was in 2002 and he was in post when the History Centre was officially opened by the then Lord Lieutenant in May 2003 Alex was always willing to help friends and members alike. We worked as a team to try and ensure the efficient operation of all activities. Alex was very forgiving of some of the volunteers lack of computer expertise but was always patiently willing to assist. He was nominated to represent the History Society at a Royal Garden Party in 2021 but sadly because of Covid this did not take place. Alex was the welcoming face of the Society not only on the Reception Desk but in representing the Society at local and other events. His knowledge of anything technical and especially computers was wide ranging which resulted in the phrase “Ask Alex” being everyone’s first port of call. He treated everyone with respect and everyone respected him too. As well as being Chairman several times, he was also Chairman of publications, membership secretary, he ran the website and dealt with the online shop. He was chief clock winder for the society’s grandfather clock and general D.I.Y person. He was extremely caring and generous with his time. Alex did so much for everyone and will be most sorely missed not only by Society members but also by the many friends in the other activities in which he was involved. He has left such a huge hole and we couldn’t have wished for a better friend and colleague. It’s difficult to know how we will cope without you, you did so much and yours are big shoes to fill but we will do our best to keep up the good work. R.I.P
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