Pictures of Bromyard

About Bromyard

Bromyard, a pleasant market town situated equi-distance between the towns of Malvern and Leominster and, as such Bromyard is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England. The fields around here if not brim full of fruit trees and hops, they are grazed by cows and sheep. Bromyard Downs, lying high above the town is common land and used by locals for sheep grazing. This area is ablaze with yellow gorse and blue harebells grow in summer. From this high area there are wonderful views of the Malvern Hills to the south east and west-wards towards Wales. Warren Woods, owned by the National Trust, provide the visitor with a wealth of rich and varied plant life.

Although mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a town of importance, Bromyard today looks as though it has slept quietly through the centuries. Medieval times are evidenced by beautifully preserved black and white timber framed buildings to be seem both in the square and strewn along the main street. Bromyard is built mainly on hilly ground and one side of the main street that runs the length of the town is raised two steps higher than the opposite side creating an 'olde worlde' effect with buildings of all shapes and sizes seemingly clinging together.

In more recent times a Roman Catholic Church was built here by the generous efforts and hard work of Father Denys Matthieu, a French Benedictine Monk who came to Bromyard after spending 20 years at Buckfast Abbey. The Church of St. Joseph was dedicated on Easter Day 1914 with Mass and Benediction. However, the present Church and Presbytery in Old Road is largely due to the hard work of Father Brislane who came as Parish Priest in 1947. The first mass in the new church was the Midnight Mass of 1956.

A little out of the town is one of the most perfect medieval manor houses in England, Lower Brockhampton Hall. This beautiful house, built around 1400 for a local squire is in almost untouched condition. It is set in an enchanting secluded valley surrounded by a moat and has a gatehouse that dates 15th-century. The house is owned by the National Trust.

Close-by, in Brockhampton Park, is a wonderful nature trail that wends it's way through some fine mature Oakwoods planted some 220 years ago. This area has a wealth of rare bird and plant life that thrive amongst the ancient Yews and Larch and Beech trees.
Up here the air is so pure that Lichen grow and flourish. At dusk, in high summer it is not unusual to see Bats flying around the lakes. Woodpeckers nest in the woods and sometimes ravens can be seen. This park has rich rewards for those who seek the rare bounty. Brockhampton, is a quiet place where one feels perfectly at peace and in tune with all the blessings that Mother nature has provided.

There are several fine inns and public houses in Bromyard and surrounding area, and Bromyard Downs have secluded picnic areas.
There is an ancient hill fort at nearby Risbury and both Alfrick and Alfrick Pound have Nature Reserves. Bromyard hosts a Folk festival that this year (2004) will be on the 11th, 12th & 13th of September. This is an annual event which is attended from all over the country