Pictures of Dorstone

About Dorstone

Tucked away under the Welsh hills amid the Golden Valley is the historic village of Dorstone. Lying high above the village is Aurthur's Stone which is a great slab set on upright stones. During the 20th-century there were signs that the barrow may have suffered some disturbance to its original form. The entrance to the south end leads to a large open chamber which is walled by upright slabs, they support a large capstone. In 3000BC this would have formed a landmark for travellers.

In the village below the church of St.Faith has a daunting history. It was founded by Richard de Brito, a knight who had a hand in the dastardly murder of Thomas Becket in the year 1170. For several years following the murder Richard did penance in the Holy Land, a penance he continued on his return to his homeland. St.Faith's was restored twice during the 19th-century but evidence of earlier churches on the site still exists along with relics of St.Faith's ancient and historic past.

The village green is surrounded by ancient stone cottages, and in the countryside beyond there is a criss-cross of leafy lanes interspersed with vast farmsteads and ancient barns. Cattle and sheep graze lazily in rich and fertile meadows, alive with wild flowers, plants and butterflies. It is all so very English.

Oliver Cromwell is said to have links with the village. He was a guest at the Pandy Inn which has welcomed travellers for well over 500years. The village has a unique atmosphere, it has a pride in both its ancient past, its present and its future. Dorstone, is a village proud of its heritage but with its sights set firmly on life in the 21st-century.

Dorstone is set in beautiful open countryside of hills and twinkling streams, Escley Brook flows close-by and Hay-on-Wye, renowned as the second hand book 'capital' of the world is within easy driving distance. Hay, also has a wealth of quaint antique shops as well as an interesting antique centre and a couple of welcoming historic inns. The county town of Hereford is a short distance away. Hereford has a museum and a lovely old cathedral as well as a wealth of historic buildings that are a joy to explore.