This illustrated history portrays one of England’s finest counties. It provides a nostalgic look at Herefordshire’s past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites.

The photographs are taken from the Historic England Archive, a unique collection of over 12 million photographs, drawings, plans and documents covering England’s archaeology, architecture, social and local history. Pictures date from the earliest days of photography to the present and cover subjects from Bronze Age burials and medieval churches to cinemas and seaside resorts.

Herefordshire is one of England’s most rural counties where geography and history have combined to produce a land of remarkably varied appeal. Its borders are formed by a ring of hills and its centre is a saucer of rolling countryside cut by a series of rivers. This landscape has shaped the character of the county, and almost every parish has the remains of a castle, a reminder of Norman times when the area was part of the Welsh Marches. The main industry was agriculture; Hereford cattle and Ryeland sheep flourished on the pastorally perfect land, as did hops, orchards and arable crops. The buildings of the county are a testament to the periods of great wealth generated from the soil. This book will help you discover the rich history of the county and introduce you to some little-known sights.