Herefordshire

Herefordshire is located in the West Midlands of England, it is often overshadowed by its more populous neighbors. However, it plays a significant role in England's cultural, historical, and agricultural heritage. With its picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and ancient castles, Herefordshire offers visitors a glimpse into England's past.^[1] Herefordshire has borders with the Welsh counties of Radnor, Brecknock and Monmouth to the west and south west, and with the English counties of Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east and Gloucestershire to the south.^[2]

The population of Herefordshire, County of is just over 188,000 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. In the year between mid-2021 and mid-2022, the population in Herefordshire, County grew by an estimated 1,197 people, and in the ten years prior to mid-2022, the population grew by 2,330. If the population continues to grow at current rate, the 2024 population estimate would be 189,000. Herefordshire, County of covers an area of 2,180 square kilometers (842 square miles).^[3] The largest town in Herefordshire is Hereford.

Herefordshire has the fourth lowest population density in England, with its 188,000 plus residents scattered all over its 842 square miles. Over half (100,800; 53%) live in areas defined as ‘rural’, with the majority of these (81,400 people; 43% of the total) in the most rural ‘village and dispersed’ areas. A third of the population live in Hereford city (61,900 people), and a fifth in one of the five market towns - Leominster (11,900), Ross-on-Wye (11,100), Ledbury (9,600), Bromyard (4,700) and Kington (3,200).^[4]

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Herefordshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsHerefordshire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

Herefordshire's topography is characterized by a peripheral ring of prominent hill ranges, notably the Malvern Hills and Black Mountains. The interior landscape, however, transitions into a gentle undulation of rolling hills, interspersed with broad river valleys and lower-lying plains. The strategic importance of river crossings has historically influenced settlement patterns, with communities both concentrated at these points and dispersed across the county's varied terrain. The River Wye, a defining geographical feature, meanders through the county's heart. Originating near the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye, it flows eastward toward Hereford before exiting the county at the Wye Gorge, downstream of Ross-on-Wye. Beyond its role in draining significant portions of Herefordshire, the River Wye, along with its valley, constitutes an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is deeply intertwined with the county's identity.^[5]

The largest business sectors in Herefordshire are currently manufacturing, defense and security, food and drink production, agriculture and tourism. Well-known businesses include including Bulmers (Heineken), British Land, Cargill, Weston’s Cider, Bloor Homes and Tyrrells Crisps. 15% of the population are self-employed.^[6]

Herefordshire has a long history of agriculture, particularly cattle farming, with the famous Hereford breed. The county is renowned for its orchards, producing apples, pears, and other fruits. This has led to a thriving cider industry, with well-known brands like Bulmers and Westons Cider.^[7]

The Forest of Deanin 1938, was designated the first National Forest Park. The Symonds Yat Rockis an internationally famous viewpoint above the Forest of Dean. Goodrich Castle is an imposing castle ruins offering stunning views of the River Wye. Hay-on-Wye is a charming town known as the "town of books," with numerous independent bookshops lining its streets. The Weir Garden is a beautiful riverside garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Hereford. Hereford Cathedral is a stunning cathedral and home to the Mappa Mundi, a medieval world map, and the Chained Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

Herefordshire historyHerefordshire history

The earliest evidence of human activity in Herefordshire dates back to the Paleolithic period. Stone tools and artifacts have been found, indicating that hunter-gatherers inhabited the region. During the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, farming communities emerged, leaving behind traces of their settlements and burial mounds. The Iron Age saw the rise of fortified hillforts, reflecting a more complex society.^[8]

The Romans arrived in the region of Herefordshire around 48 AD, establishing a network of roads and settlements. The city of Ariconium (modern-day Wroxeter) became a significant Roman center. Roman influence is evident in the county's archaeology, with numerous villas, roads, and artifacts.

After the Roman withdrawal, Anglo-Saxon tribes, including the Magonsætan, settled in Herefordshire. They established a kingdom centered around Hereford, which became a significant town and religious center. The Anglo-Saxon period saw the construction of numerous churches and monasteries, many of which still stand today.

The advent of the medieval period is often marked by the Norman Conquest of 1066, a pivotal event that ushered in a new era of cultural, governmental, and societal transformation in England. The England encountered by the Normans differed significantly from the landscapes they had recently departed. The Norman invaders swiftly established themselves as feudal lords over a primarily rural population, sparsely dotted with towns. Upon settling, they embarked on a concerted effort to construct towns, villages, churches, and castles, thereby imposing a structured order upon the conquered territory and consolidating their control. Herefordshire and the borderlands, already unsettled prior to the Norman arrival, had been a contested region between the Saxons and the Welsh. The Normans were thus compelled to address these border skirmishes while simultaneously solidifying their dominion over the county.^[9]

The 16th century was a period of religious and social upheaval. The Reformation led to the dissolution of monasteries, and Herefordshire's Catholic population faced persecution. However, the county also experienced economic growth, particularly in agriculture and wool production.^[10] About 1540 a writer described Hereford as ‘ancient, large and strongly walled also having a main castle hard by the river Wye. The wall of the town is encompassed by a dike filled with water. The wall and gates of Hereford are well maintained.’^[11]

Hereford's tumultuous 17th century was characterized by its involvement in the English Civil War. The city initially declared its allegiance to the Royalist cause. However, in September 1642, a Parliamentarian force successfully captured Hereford. While the Civil War significantly impacted Hereford, the city's economic landscape was also undergoing transformation. The once-thriving wool industry experienced a sharp decline due to competition from northern English centers. However, the 17th century witnessed the rise of brewing and cider-making industries, which contributed to the city's economy. Additionally, the leather industry remained a significant source of employment and income for Herefordshire.^[12]

In the 18th century, Herefordshire was primarily known as a rich agricultural county, particularly renowned for its cider production, earning it the nickname "The Orchard of England"; with the majority of the land dedicated to orchards, growing crops like wheat, and raising livestock, especially cattle for fattening.^[13]

In the 19th century, Herefordshire was primarily an agricultural county, with its economy heavily reliant on farming, particularly the famous Hereford breed of cattle, while experiencing a declining population due to significant rural migration as people left to seek work in industrial areas elsewhere in Britain; the county also saw the construction of canals that were ultimately unsuccessful, and remnants of Welsh language usage persisted in certain parts of the region, especially in the Archenfield area where Welsh was still spoken by some until the mid-century.^[14]

A new Town Hall was built in 1904. Also in 1904, a College of Education opened. The first cinema in Hereford opened in 1911. A War Memorial was erected in St Peters Square in 1922. By 1931 the population of Hereford had reached 24,000. It rose to 47,000 by the early 1970s.^[15]

Herefordshire parishes and unparished areasHerefordshire parishes and unparished areas

Herefordshire is entirely parished, meaning there are no unparished areas within the county. The entire region is covered by civil parishes, which are the lowest level of local government in England.

Herefordshire geographyHerefordshire geography

Herefordshire is a county of rolling hills, lush green pastures, and deep river valleys. In the west, the landscape rises into the foothills of the Brecknockshire, Wales Black Mountains, with some peaks reaching 2,000 feet. Moving eastward, the land forms a series of gentle folds, including the renowned Golden Valley. The county's eastern border is marked by the whaleback ridge of the Malvern Hills, which overlook Worcestershire.

The River Wye is Herefordshire's principal waterway, winding its way from the Radnorshire border near Clifford, through the city of Hereford, and onward to Ross-on-Wye before exiting the county. In its lower reaches, the Wye is a broad, tranquil river, flowing past fields and villages. Traditional coracle fishermen can still be found plying their trade on its waters.

Herefordshire is well-known for its picturesque "black and white villages," characterized by their half-timbered cottages. The city of Hereford, situated on the banks of the Wye, is dominated by its impressive medieval cathedral.

Researching family history in HerefordshireResearching family history in Herefordshire

The Herefordshire Archive and Records Center holds a wide range of sources, including parish registers, wills, school records and electoral rolls. It also has numerous local indexes to births, marriages and deaths compiled by the Herefordshire Family History Society. The Herefordshire Family History Directory supplies links to valuable resources. The Hereford Cathedral Archives and Historical Collections has records dating back to the 1500s including deeds, manorial and ecclesiastical court records, minutes, accounts, maps, plans, architectural drawings and a few personal papers.

Ethnicities in HerefordshireEthnicities in Herefordshire

The demographic distribution of the Herefordshire population is as follows:^[16]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Herefordshire, County of is predominantly white (96.9%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 3.1% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Herefordshire, County of accounting for 1.2% of the population. 567 or 0% of the Herefordshire, County of population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Herefordshire, County of, 2021 census

White - 181,248 people or 96.9%
Asian - 2,218 people or 1.2%
Mixed - 1,980 people or 1.1%
Other - 1,019 people or 0.5%
Black - 567 people or 0.3%

Surnames in HerefordshireSurnames in Herefordshire

The demographic distribution of Herefordshire surnames is as follows:^[17]

1	Jones	4,239	1:44	1.11%	2
2	Davies	3,534	1:53	2.01%	8
3	Williams	2,927	1:63	1.08%	5
4	Smith	2,523	1:74	0.40%	1
5	Price	1,772	1:105	2.34%	66
6	Evans	1,669	1:111	1.08%	13
7	Morgan	1,579	1:118	1.92%	58
8	Powell	1,389	1:134	2.31%	91
9	Lewis	1,387	1:134	1.25%	35
10	Thomas	1,322	1:140	0.95%	19

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[:0-1] Herefordshire | England, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica

[2] Preface to Herefordshire - CRSBI

[3] Herefordshire, County of Population

[4] Population around the county - Understanding Herefordshire

[5] Herefordshire Context

[6] Economy & place - Understanding Herefordshire

[7] Herefordshire Agriculture

[8] Herefordshire Through Time - Welcome

[9] The Medieval period

[10] Hereford in the 16th century and 17th century

[11] A History of Hereford

[12] Hereford in the 17th century

[13] 17th and 18th Century Herefordshire

[14] Hereford in the 19th century

[15] Hereford in the 20th century

[16] Herefordshire, County of Demographics

[17] Most Common Surnames in Herefordshire, With Meanings

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