Mortimer Country – medieval malarkey at its finest
You couldn’t make Mortimer Country up. It’s a wonderful unspoilt area of north Herefordshire, nestling into the Shropshire Hills AONB and the Radnor Hills of Powys. Ancient woodlands, rolling hills and water meadows provide the backdrop for the strong cultural and historic Herefordshire heritage. It takes its name from a noble medieval family.
Take to the Mortimer Trail, the idyllic 30 mile walkers route that winds from Ludlow, at the Shropshire border in the north, to Kington in the south. Discover the places of medieval politics and scheming, of alliances made and alliances broken – and a bloody victory that lead to a new King of England.
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The Battle of Mortimer’s Cross
In February 1461 near Wigmore Castle, Edward Plantagenet, Duke of York and 7th Earl of March (seated at Wigmore) defeated the Lancastrian army.
The battle was a milestone in the War of the Roses, it saw the House of York take the throne and a reasonable period of stability. But it was a throne that Edward IV’s brother Richard III would lose for good, along with his life, in 1485.
You can see the battle brought to life. An annual reenactment takes place at Herefordshire’s Hampton Court Castle every September.
More than just Mortimers
But Mortimer Country is not just about them, it’s about virtually untouched medieval architecture, such as the timber buildings you’ll find at Brampton Bryan or the unspoilt landscape in Herefordshire’s most northerly parish – Leintwardine. With 10 Castles to explore within this area, it really is the perfect place to escape.
Indulge your senses and allow the Teme and Lugg valleys and uplands of the Mortimer Forest to work their calming magic, or patronise the outstanding restaurants, tearooms and inns that will provide you with delicious locally sourced food. Castles, churches and gardens are the order of the day. Unless browsing at Aardvark Bookshop and Cafe or organising exhilarating family activities at Oaker Wood Leisure of course…….
