The village of Wigmore was first fortified by the Romans. The Castle at Wigingamere is mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles in the year 921 AD. The Domesday Book records that the Castle of Wigemore was held by Ralph de Mortimer, a powerful Norman baron. The centre of the Mortimer family's power base through some of England's most turbulent history, the ruins of Wigmore Castle still dominate the landscape. The Mortimers held absolute power over the domain until the 15th Century.
The famous Wigmore, Harley and Mortimer Streets in London's West End are all named for this village and for the Lords of the Marches associated with it over the centuries.
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Wigmore is now a small village that has largely been bypassed by the outside world. But it remains true that there are the same stunning walks, the same inviting country pubs, the same sparkling rivers and the same mysterious woodlands teeming with animal life that have beguiled travellers for centuries. But they have tended to keep the secret. Discover it for yourself.
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Wigmore Castle, one of the greatest of England’s medieval castles, was recently reopened to the public after a three year, one million pound rescue operation to save the ruins from disintegration. Sir Jocelyn Stevens, Chairman of English Heritage and responsible for this difficult project, formally declared the Castle open saying that this was a magical and mysterious place that still had the power to fascinate. The fragile ecology of the site remains unchanged from the early eighteenth century. The whole area is dotted with castle ruins, fine churches and beautiful manor houses that speak of the long thread of history that weaves through the Marches. |
Seven miles from Wigmore, Ludlow in Shropshire is a medieval market town that grew up in the shadow of the magnificent 11th century castle.
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The streets still follow the ancient pattern and there are more than 500 listed buildings in the town centre. Ludlow is reputed to be the only town in England that can still support a thriving market three days a week – and four in the summer! There are many fine shops to explore selling everything from local artisans’ work to designer clothing and many fine restaurants. |
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For those, with an interest in traditional house decoration and style, the Ludlow Periods House Shop in Corve Street is an Aladdin’s cave to explore. London’s Evening Standard recently called Ludlow the ‘Soho of Shropshire’.
Leominster (pronounced Lem’ster) is seven miles south of Wigmore and is the most northern town of substance in Herefordshire. Although not as dramatic as Ludlow it is every bit as ancient and boasts an attractive market, the Corn Square, and many fine buildings that demonstrate changing architectural styles from 17th century and Georgian to the Victorian Gothic of the Corn Exchange.
A glimpse can be taken further back in time at the old Priory of St Peter and St Paul, consecrated in 1130 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536.
An antique collector’s paradise, Leominster is home to fine gourmet shops and has plenty to catch your eye.
Other places of interest in the locality include:
Stokesay Castle is a unique example of a fortified 13th century manor house that calls Mervyn Peake’s ‘Gormenghast’ to mind. Built between 1285 and 1305 - today you can immerse yourself in its history and get a true sense of what life was really like in those ancient days.
Karen and Mark Hindle make their own cheeses at the Pleck Farm, Monkland. Well worth a visit, as you can watch cheesemaking in progress and come away with booty that would bring joy to the Ben Gunns amongst you!
Berrington Hall and Croft Castle are both near Leominster. Berrington Hall is the classical 18th century country house with landscaping by ‘Capability’ Brown. Croft Castle has been home to the Croft family since it was mentioned as on of the Marcher Castles in the Domesday Book.
Dinmore Manor and Gardens are half way between Leominster and Hereford. The house shows architectural features from the 12th to the 20th centuries and the gardens feature a rock pool and a fine collection of old Acers as well as a yew tree that was seeded in 800 AD.
The Wernlas Collection, eight miles north west of Wigmore, is an internationally acclaimed conservation centre that specialises in breeding rare and traditional poultry. A chickophiles paradise, there are many rare and beautiful chickens to admire as well as rare breeds of goat, sheep and pig. This all combines to form an unique gene pool at a time when rare breeds are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Herefordshire and Shropshire
are home to some of the country’s most talented and innovative
designer/makers and exponents of traditional crafts that were almost lost.
Potters; chair and furniture makers; painters; glass makers; silver and
goldsmiths; jewellers; decorative ironworkers; cabinet makers; milliners and
artists in watercolours, oils, gouaches and every natural pigment known to
man or woman; all have made their homes and ply their crafts in this most
beautiful part of the country –
The Marches.
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