Once Upon A Time In Herefordshire
Hamnet-hype is here
As Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling book is immortalised on the big screen using Herefordshire as its backdrop, we wanted to explore our literary ties a little deeper. After all, with the world-class Ledbury Poetry Festival and Hay-on-Wye (the world’s first Town of Books and host of the renowned annual literary festival) right on our doorstep, our County has long been a dream destination for those who love to read.
Ready for the pages of your next book to whisk you away to quaint villages, ancient orchards, and lush landscapes? Here are a dozen top titles with a Herefordshire connection.
Pop the kettle on, curl up, and be inspired to plan your next real-life adventure here!
1. On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin
The Herefordshire connection: Set on an isolated farm in the borderlands
In three words: Evocative. Moving. Timeless.
For fans of: Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
Read it: Before a hike across the Cat’s Back (the from view which inspired the setting)
2. Meadowland by John Lewis-Stempel
The Herefordshire connection: Set in a Herefordshire field, across the seasons
In three words: Lyrical. Intimate. Addictive.
For fans of: The Old Ways by Robert Macfarane
Read it: During a picnic on the banks of the River Wye
3. Wine of Angels by Phil Rickman (the first in the Merrily Watkins series)
In three words: Dark. Gripping. Historic.
For fans of: Pine by Francine Toon
Read it: After a visit to one of Herefordshire's many medieval churches
4. New Roots, Ancient Lands by Joseph Emmett
The Herefordshire connection: It weaves a journey right across the County
In three words: Personal. Uplifting. Thought-provoking.
For fans of: The Postal Path by Alan Cleaver
Read it: Whilst hiking The Pilgrims Way
5. Resistance by Owen Sheers
The Herefordshire connection: Set in a remote village in the Olchon Valley
In three words: Intense. Atmospheric. Moving.
For fans of: Dominion by C.J. Sansom
Read it: With a glass of red by a warming pub fire
6. A Home For All Seasons by Gavin Plumley
The Herefordshire connection: The story of a Pembridge Black & White house
In three words: Charming. Tender. Illuminating.
For fans of: A Month in the Country by J L Carr
Read it: Sleeping under the beams in one of Herefordshire many Tudor-era B&Bs
8. Herefordshire Folk Tales by David Phelps
The Herefordshire connection: Bringing to life tales of the County’s past
In three words: Enchanting. Haunting. Fascinating.
For fans of: A Treasury of British Folklore by Dee Dee Chainey
Read it: Sat in an ancient orchard, bottle of cider in-hand
9. Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine
The Herefordshire connection: Deeply rooted in the County’s medieval past
In three words: Masterful. Spell-binding. Compelling.
For fans of: Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver
Read it: With over tea and cake at the Hay Castle Cafe
10. Conquering Knight, Captive Lady by Anne O-Brien
The Herefordshire connection: Inspired by the ruins of Clifford Castle
In three words: Tumultuous. Gripping. Dramatic.
For fans of: The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Read it: On the train home from a historical getaway to Herefordshire
11. The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S Lewis
The Herefordshire connection: Aslan’s table is said to be inspired by Arthur’s Stone, a Neolithic burial chamber in The Golden Valley
In three words: Spell-binding. Epic. Adventurous.
For fans of: The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Read it: At sunset, with a flask full of tea (or wine), on Merbach Hill
12. Kilvert’s Diary by Francis Kilvert
The Herefordshire connection: These fascinatingly detailed journals depict life in the village live of a country curate from Bredwardine in the Victorian times
In three words: Authentic. Poignant. Romantic.
For fans of: Akenfield: Portrait of an English Village by Ronald Blythe
Read it: Stretched out on a rug on the banks of the River Wye below Bredwardine Bridge
One more for luck...13. Elijah's Mermaid by Essie Fox
The Herefordshire connection: The author was raised in the County and based the book’s sanctuary ‘Kingsland House’ on the real village and former coaching inn in which she grew up
In three words: Gothic. Victorian. Enchanting.
For fans of: The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar
Read it: Tucked away in a cosy corner of a Black & White pub
Browse Bountiful Bookshops
Books. In real life. Not much beats them. In the charming market towns of Herefordshire you'll find independent bookshops a plenty, whether you're after the latest titles or hunting for a vintage treasure, they offer the perfect opportunity to while away an hour or two.
Explore Our Tudor Landscapes
Discover our Hamnet-inspired itinerary, along with our free pocket guide to Herefordshire's Tudor hotspots.