Author: Editor

This year’s calendar has just arrived. Available from the Centre on Sherford St (£5)or from our online shop (£7).

We were very honoured to be invited along to the 70th Anniversary of Upper Sapey (Edith Silcock Memorial) Village Hall on Saturday 5th September.

Edith Silcock taught at Upper Sapey School as headmistress for many years, dedicating her life to the local community.

Miss Margaret Lane, a local to Upper Sapey worked alongside Mrs Silcock at Upper Sapey School as a teacher. The pair also worked together to raise the funds for the new Village Hall assisted by Rev. Cartmel.

The whole community helped with decorating the hall which was built on land given by Sir Francis Winnington of Stanford Court Great Witley.

Her obituary in the Bromyard News on 14^th July 1949 reported her numerous activities,  her willingness to serve her fellow men and untiring service to the welfare of the children in her charge, made her a most popular and respected member of the community.

She served for many years as secretary of the Parochial Church Council  for Upper Sapey Church, clerk to the parish meetings,  and secretary of the Entertainment Committee. She was also organiser of the Poppy Day collections for Upper Sapey and local representative of the London Children’s Country Holiday Fund. This was a historic London-based charity established in 1884 to provide countryside breaks for disadvantaged city children.

During her time in Upper Sapey, she also tended and provided flowers for the War Memorial in the Church.

She was cremated at Lodge Hill Crematorium Birmingham.  The  spray of flowers on the coffin was from the children of Upper Sapey School.

On Sunday 6th September members of the Society gathered together on a lovely sunny afternoon to celebrate our 60th anniversary at the home of member Sue Cooper. A lovely time was had by all, reminiscing about their time as members.

by novelist Caroline Willcocks

Four talks on the Tudor Queens from 2pm to 4 pm, at Bromyard and District Local History Centre on October 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th and 24^th.
Booking essential as we have limited places. Each talk is standalone but can also be booked as a course of four for the price of three via the Conquest Theatre booking system. Bookings can also be made in person at the theatre on Saturday and Wednesday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

What was life really like for Henry VIII’s six wives? Caroline Willcocks, who has researched and written four successful novels on the Tudor Queens, talks about their lives and loves. Was Katherine of Aragon a liar? Was Anne Boleyn a schemer? Did Anne of Cleves smell? Over four talks she discusses these women and the legacy they have left. Caroline has lived in Bromyard for the last six years, with her husband the poet John Pare, a dog and a cat. She has worked in the theatre, freelance journalism and for charities before writing six novels (so far). Her work examines human emotions in a historical context and celebrates the passion and danger of the Tudor court.

Katherine of Aragon: Beyond the Stereotypes
Unveiling the True Character of Henry the Eighth’s First Tudor Queen

 Explore the extraordinary life of Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. Too often dismissed as dowdy and overly pious, Katherine’s true legacy is far richer and more nuanced. Was she merely a devout and plain figure, or did her intelligence, political acumen, and  beauty shape the course of English history? Discover how Katherine navigated the treacherous world of Tudor politics, championed scholarship for women, and inspired devotion and respect across Europe. This session will challenge prevailing myths and invite you to see Katherine not as a passive victim, but as a clever, resilient, and charismatic queen whose influence is celebrated to this day.

Accompanying novel ‘Of Aragon’ by Caroline Willcocks.

The Enigma of Anne Boleyn
Unprincipled Schemer or Protestant and Feminist Martyr?

Join us for a thought-provoking talk exploring the life and legacy of Anne Boleyn. one of the most fascinating figures in British history, she has achieved the status of an icon. Was she simply an ambitious manipulator, ruthlessly pursuing power at court, or does her story reveal a courageous woman who championed Protestant reform and aid for early foundations? This session will delve into the intrigue of Henry VIII’s court, Anne’s pivotal role in England’s religious transformation, and the myths and truths that have shaped her reputation over the centuries. Discover how Anne Boleyn’s brief but impactful life continues to inspire debate: was she an unprincipled schemer, or a martyr for her faith and for women’s agency?

The session will also look at Jane Seymour, the only queen to give Henry VIII a son.

Accompanying novel ‘The Duty of Women’  by Caroline Willcocks.

A Tale of Two Queens: Anne of Cleves & Katherine Howard
History, Inexperience, and the Ghosts of Henry VIII’s Wives

In the second half, prepare for a lighter—and spookier—journey as we uncover the ghostly legends surrounding Henry’s wives. From phantom footsteps in haunted halls to spectral encounters that have captured imaginations for centuries, discover how these women’s stories continue to linger long after their reigns ended. It’s history with a supernatural twist!

Accompanying novel ‘Girl Queens’.

Katherine Parr: Scholar, Survivor, and Queen
A Talk Exploring the Perilous Path of England’s Last Tudor Queen

Accompanying novel ‘The Shadow of the King’.

On 15^th July 2026 a group of members visited Snodhill Castle – the trip having been postponed from the previous week when the weather heatwave meant the site was like a ‘furnace’ we were lucky to have much kinder weather and a very interesting and enjoyable visit.

Snodhill Castle was originally built to defend the Welsh border by William Fitz Osbern in1068 – initially in wood with later phases in stone. For 300 years between C13 – C15 the castle was owned by the Chandos family who were responsible for some of the more decorative features of the twelve sided keep. It seems that the Chandos family mostly used the castle and surrounding deer park as a show of power and prestige rather than a residence.

Unusually the castle chapel is a Royal Free Chapel with chaplains appointed by the King rather than the Bishop of Hereford. Also unusual is the double postern gate.

After the Civil War the castle was systematically dismantled by the Prosser family and most of the stone sold. This has made it particularly difficult to identify phases of building. Tim Hoverd, Herefordshire Archaelologist explained that they had excavated 37 trenches and the next phase would be to use ground penetrating radar.

Our excellent tour guide was Dr Sarah Lewis, latterly Inspector of Ancient Buildings for English Heritage (and a modest but talented artist with prints of Snodhill Castle for sale) and we also met Garry Crook, chair of the Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust who instigated the clearing and subsequent excavation of the site which had been long neglected.

Debbie Hughes

This year Bromyard & District Local History Society, along with Binyon’s of Bromyard had the honour of sponsoring the Bromyard Gala programme which enabled us both to attend with a joint stand of books etc.

The Society has been attending the Gala for many years but it was the first time for our partner’s Binyon’s of Bromyard.

The weather was beautiful and we had a very successful day. Thank you very much to the Gala Committee for accommodating us once again.

On July 4th at Herefordshire’s History Store between 10am and 4pm the following event will take place.

Cleaning a Roman mosaic is far more than simply removing dirt—it’s an act of rediscovery. Each tile holds a story, and as the centuries of grime are gently lifted away, vibrant colours and intricate patterns begin to reappear, revealing the craftsmanship of ancient artisans.

The process demands patience, precision, and respect, blending science with artistry to ensure every fragile tessera is preserved. Using delicate tools and meticulous techniques, each stroke of the swab feels like a conversation with the past, uncovering details long hidden from view. Watching the mosaic emerge, its beauty slowly restored, is like witnessing history awaken beneath your fingertips.

What once lay buried now gleams with renewed life, offering a glimpse into the creativity and culture of those who came before us. Every sparkling piece connects us to that enduring legacy, inviting all who see it to share in its timeless story.

Admission / Ticket Info:

10am – 4pm

Email herefordmuseums@herefordshire.gov.uk to book

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

Lunch is not included

Disabled Access:

History Store: Offers step-free access and accessible facilities. A detailed access guide is available on our website via the History Store page. For further details or assistance download access guides www.herefordshire.gov.uk/history-lives

Disabled Facilities:

History Store: Offers step-free access and accessible facilities. A detailed access guide is available on our website via the History Store page. For further details or assistance download access guides www.herefordshire.gov.uk/history-lives

Contact:

herefordmuseums@herefordshire.gov.uk

01432383383

The History Store
Friars Street
Hereford
Herefordshire
HR4 0AS

Old Bromyard – Journal 2012 no 35
Judith has been busy looking through old copies of the Bromyard News and Record for 1959.

She found a series of ‘Recollections of Old Bromyard’ , contributed by a reader who found them, written by W. Madders, describing aspects of Bromyard ‘about seventy years ago’. That would have been in the late 1800s. Some of them are reproduced in this Journal, on pages 7, 11, 26 and 38.

More recollections of Bromyard—Spital Trees
Taken from articles written by the late W.Madders.

When I was a boy there used to be at Flaggoners Green a spital tree works. I have looked in Chambers dictionary for a definition of what a spital tree is but have failed to find it. It is a local word for a spade or fork handle. Because they used to be made there.
A Mr. Evans was the proprietor, and after his death his nephew, Mr.T.Hinksman, carried it on for a good many years. He was my Sunday School teacher when I attended Wesleyans (the school was then held in a large room belonging to Mr.Jenks, Tanner, in Pump Street).
Several men were employed at Flaggoners Green, sawyers, turners and others, the trunks (ash I believe) were brought by teams of horses from the neighbourhood, and were cut up by manual labour. A pit was made, and one sawyer stood upon the trunk and one below on the pit, one pulled the saw down and the other pushed it up. The top sawyer was the better man and undoubtedly gave rise to the sporting term “He be a top sawyer”. I used to watch the men at work and noticed that the rough handles were placed in very hot water, and then bent to the proper shape, sometimes they broke or split, when they were thrown out to augment the slabs which were sold for firewood, and were eagerly sought for that purpose. It was a great pity that both this factory as well as the Tannery should have to be closed, as they furnished work for about thirty men between them.

Rouse Bros. (George and Edward “Ted”) with their father also used to employ a good many men.

There used to be a Brickyard in the New Road (where the School Cookery Canteen now is) and I well remember seeing the children running with the wet clay in wooden moulds from the brickmakers and placing them in long rows to dry in the sun, preparatory to their being burnt in the kilns.

The late Mr. D. McIntosh, the draper and outfitter, also started a clothing factory in the New Road and employed about twenty hands (this factory has just been taken down and is now the petrol pumps at the bottom of the road).

Passing now to another subject, that brought to remembrance Stage and Mail Coach days. Not that I remember these. But there used to live in the High Street, next door but two to the N. P. Bank, an old gentleman, Mr. T. Godwin, “Tammy” Godwin for short.
I understood that he had been a stage coach driver between Bromyard, Worcester and Hereford. He was a big old gentleman, and used to wear a long gold chain round his neck, which descended across his portly body. He used to come and talk with the late
Mr. T. W.Williams when I was apprenticed there.
I once rode to Worcester in an old coach (a two horse) from the Hop Pole. I wonder what became of it. It would be most interesting to see.

(re-typed by Judith Evans from the Bromyard News & Record, 24th September 1959.)

Old Bromyard- Mop Fairs
Some recollections of Bromyard

There was no Bromyard Smithfield in my schooldays, but a public market the sheep and pigs being penned in Sheep Street, and I have seen the pens filled from Milvern Lane corner up to Billy Mitchell’s house, which was just past Taylor’s orchard. The cattle stood right from Milvern Lane and down High Street as far as the New Road corner and then up the hill as far as the house just below Hillcrest.
It was said that a farmer named Philpott of the Brook House, Avenbury, had as many as a thousand sheep at Bromyard fair at one time. The pens, as they were called, were kept at Sally Green’s, the name by which she was known, and were erected in the early morning. They were supported by posts driven into the ground and the pens were tied by string to these and to other pens. I know the boys used to plague the sheep, and try to make them jump over the hurdles,
which when they did, there were shouts of delight, and chasing, to bring them back.
These fairs were held about three or four times a year, there being no fortnightly sales.

Hiring fairs or “Mops” as they were called, were held two or three times a year, when farm hands would come to meet would-be employers to whom they offered their services. (You will please remember I was only a boy of between six and twelve years but I used to ask questions of my father and mother and having a fairly retentive memory I almost imperceptibly observed and retained the information
which is now to me so interesting).
I remember seeing one man with a whip in hand which showed he offered himself as a waggoner. At these Mops there used to assemble men with punching machines, and the way in which these amateur “Tom Springs” went for the image was almost alarming to me. Men singing songs and selling the sheets containing the words of the songs, such as “They are going to tax the fleas?” and other sentiments of a rather doubtful character.

The Mops were held in the Market Square and Broad Street, not in High Street, and any further than Mr.Grubb’s ironmongers shop (which was then opposite Ross’s Boot shop). There were stalls for the sale of nuts, oranges and gingerbreads; also shooting galleries in the Square, where you shot through a long tube at a bell at the further end, if you made a bull’s eye it rang a bell. There were also stalls where you had a gun, one shot a penny at a revolving wheel whereupon was printed on the rim figures one to twelve; whatever number you hit you had the number of nuts; I had twelve once.
A constant attendant at these Mops was an old besom seller named Both who lived on the Downs. He wore a smock frock and used to bring a sort of gaming table on which was a blank and on three other places home made Banbury cakes. I believe one, two and three. You put your money and spun a pointer on a swivel, and on whatever pile it stopped you had that prize. Sometimes you had a blank.

Just when the bicycle was placed on the market there came into the Square a fresh attraction to the ordinary roundabout. This was a collection of machines with pedals attached to each other, and when mounted and the riders pedalled they all went round together on a metal track. I remember seeing a lot of young men going round once and the attendants had to expend considerable time and trouble in acting as brakes to overcome the young men’s energy, to bring
the machines to a standstill. The sympathy of the spectators was, of course, with the ardent racers.

Writing of bicycles reminds me that I saw at Broadwas, when I was very young, a two wooden wheels bicycle which my Uncle George had made. It was about the height of the ordinary safety one now in use. But it had no pedals. It was propelled by the rider sitting astride and
using his legs alternately along the ground. Of course, it was of no use whatever up hill, but he could get along by this method at the rate of eight miles an hour – so he said. I know I was very interested in it. How I practised on an old boneshaker weighing ninety pounds I will tell another time.
(re-typed by Judith Evans from the Bromyard News & Record of 3rd September Record of 3rd September 1959.)

NB: Images from our archive were added for this post for interest.

On Wednesday 10th June the Society visited Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch.
The museum illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Needle making has been recorded in the area as early as the 1639. The building was originally an iron forge, but was converted into a scouring mill for needle production in 1730. The mill became steam powered in 1870. The mill closed in 1958. At its peak in the 1870s, the area was producing around 3.5 billion needles per year, around 90% of the world’s needle production. Forge Mill reopened as a museum, with Queen Elizabeth 11 visiting for the opening ceremony on 5 July 1983. 

A short walk from the Museum, were the ruins of Bordesley Abbey – a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated.

The Visitor Centre is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn and tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from it’s development in the 12th century to it’s destruction in 1538 by Henry the Vlll during the dissolution.

A lovely day was had by all, even the odd shower didn’t ruin our enjoyment of this fascinating place.

On the morning of Saturday 16^th May members and representatives of Food for All, Bromyard and District Local History Society and Bromyard Tourist Information Centre gathered with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bromyard at 10-12 High Street in anticipation of the opening of ‘Binyon’s of Bromyard’.

Tea. coffee, fizz,  homemade cake and biscuits were enjoyed while chatting before the opening ceremony. Prayers led by Fr Paul Stonham, were followed by words from Robert Hollis of Food for All and Mandy Palmer of BDLHS welcoming the new partnership and looking forward to working successfully together. 

Outside, to applause (and the bemusement of passing drivers),  Susanna Lady McFarlane unveiled the new Binyon’s of Bromyard shop window  – the start of an exciting new chapter for all three organisations.  

We are delighted to invite you to the opening of “Binyon’s of Bromyard”.

Come celebrate our new space, meet the team, and enjoy a reception at 11am followed by the opening at 12 noon by our Patron Susanna Lady McFarlane on Saturday 16th May at 12 Broad Street Bromyard.

We were very lucky with the weather so everyone enjoyed tea and cake in the garden where the tulips were still looking good. Also a spot of plant inspection and discussion and chance to look at documentation about Lower House and Thornbury displayed in the dining room.

We are delighted to announce that our shop, History on Broad St, is on the verge of a new adventure. We are entering into a collaboration with the shop currently known as Food For All at No. 12 High Street, under the integrated new name of Binyons of Bromyard. HOBS will close on 25th April, 2026 and the opening of the new enterprise will be on Saturday, 2nd May, 2026.

Soon to be renamed ‘Binyons of Bromyard’

On Saturday 14th February the Rotherwas Together Exhibition was opened at the Local & Family History Centre by Society Chairman Mandy Palmer. Many visitors arrived for the opening which included the family of Kay (Kathleen) Bloomfield nee Eldridge who worked at Hereford Munitions Factory and Sally and Roger Dickson whose Mother and Aunt also worked there.

The exhibition is on until Saturday 23rd May. Opening times are
Thursdays & Fridays 10am – 4pm
Saturdays 10am – 1pm.

Various smaller exhibitions have been held across Herefordshire and beyond, but an exciting partnership for 2026 sees a new venture where all the Rotherwas exhibitions are brought together in one venue. Working with Bromyard & District Local History Society, the exhibition will be hosted at Bromyard Local History Centre between 14th February and 23rd May 2026.

The exhibition includes stories of some of the brave women who worked at the munitions factory during both wars, and how the factory came about in the first place. It explains about the uniforms and protective clothing which was used during the First World War, and how the name ‘canary girls’ given to the women came about. There is also the remarkable story of the Rotherwas women’s football team, who played in front of big crowds during the First World War.

Alongside the stories are original artefacts and a recreation of a First World War factory uniform. Information will be available about how to trace your own ancestors who may have worked at Rotherwas, and there will be several talks about the history of the munitions in Herefordshire.