Military History Trail: East Herefordshire

Journey to eastern Herefordshire to explore...

Civil War battle sites
Medieval churches with wartime memorials
A historic manor house that served as wartime safe haven and home to a remarkable woman

Starting at the village of Bosbury, the Holy Trinity Church harbours deep connections to the history of the World Wars, housing two significant memorials. A Roll of Honour on the rear wall for both World Wars and a roadside arched shrine in the churchyard commemorating those who served. The church itself is well worth an exploration; its structure dates back to the early 13th century.

Head southward for a wander around the streets of Ledbury, which offer a window into the first English Civil War. In April 1645, a battle was fought at Ledbury between Royalist forces under Prince Rupert and Roundhead forces under Col Edward Massey. Massey’s forces barricaded the town but were routed and pursued for many miles, losing 520 men. It was one of the last Royalist victories of the First Civil War. Scars of the skirmish can still be seen in back alleys where the chase occurred, a sword and bullets are on display in the Church, and bullet holes are visible in the panelled dining room of the Talbot Hotel!

Spend a tranquil time at Hellens Manor (Much Marcle), one of England's oldest dwellings, primarily Tudor, Jacobean, and Georgian with 12th-century foundations. From 1930, it was home to Lady Helena Emily Gleichen, a British painter and WWI ambulance driver and radiographer. During WWII, she organized her estate staff into a private army, and Hellens was used by the Tate Gallery for safe storage of artworks. Whilst in the village, St. Bartholomew's Church is well worth taking a look at. Notable for its stunning monuments (particularly those of the Mortimer family and Sir John Kyrle) and its ancient yew tree. The church is also renowned for its well-preserved effigies.