Hereford

Hereford (pronounced h?r-?-füd; Welsh: Henffordd (pronounced "Henforth") is a city in the west of England, close to the border with Wales and on the River Wye. It is the county town of Herefordshire. In 2001, Hereford had a population of 50,154.

History

Hereford was founded in around 700 AD and became the Saxon capital of West Mercia. The present Cathedral dates from the 12th century. Former Bishops of Hereford include Saint Thomas de Cantilupe and Lord High Treasurer of England Thomas Charlton.

Related Topics:
700 - Saxon - Mercia - 12th century - Bishops of Hereford - Saint Thomas de Cantilupe - Thomas Charlton

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the civil war the city changed hands several times. On September 30 1642, Parliamentarians led by Sir Robert Harley and Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford occupied the city without opposition. In December, they withdrew to Gloucester because of the presence in the area of a Royalist army under Lord Herbert. The city was again occupied briefly from April 23 to May 18 1643 by Parliamentarians commanded by Sir William Waller but it was in 1645 that the city saw most action. On July 31 a Scottish army of 14000 under Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven besieged the city but met stiff resistance from its garrison and inhabitants. They withdrew on September 1 when they received news that a force led by King Charles was approaching. The city was finally taken for Parliament on December 18 by Colonel Birch and Colonel Morgan.

Related Topics:
Civil war - September 30 - 1642 - Parliamentarians - Sir Robert Harley - Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford - Gloucester - Royalist - Lord Herbert - April 23 - May 18 - 1643 - Sir William Waller - 1645 - Action - July 31 - Scottish - Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven - Besieged - Garrison - September 1 - King Charles - Parliament - December 18 - Colonel Birch - Colonel Morgan

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Nell Gwynne, the mistress of King Charles II, is said to have been born in Hereford in 1650 (although other towns and cities, notably Oxford claim her as their own), and a street 'Gwynn Street' is named after her.

Related Topics:
Nell Gwynne - Charles II - 1650 - Oxford

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There have been plans for many years for a north-south bypass, and currently the plan is for a nine-mile dual carriageway.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~