Pictures of Goodrich

About Goodrich

Everyone loves a castle, especially a ruinous castle, haunted by the romantic ghosts of two lovers fleeing the rampageous armies of the Civil War.

The dramatic red-sandstone ruins of Goodrich Castle stand on a grassed rocky mound close to the River Wye. This once mighty stronghold was built about 1160 by Godric Mappestone, to guard against attack from the Welsh.

During the day's of the Civil War, the Castle was a Royalist Bastion and the last castle in the County to hold out for Charles I, King of England, against the parliamentarians. Following a brave fight by the King's men the garrison was forced to surrender to a Colonel John Birch. Cromwell's army raised the castle to the ground, all that is left today is the immpressive 13th-century corner towers, the hulk of the Norman keep and a deep moat.

Legend surrounds the castle and we are told that Colonel John Birch had a niece who had eloped with her lover, they took refuge there and as they tried to escape they drowned in the turbulent waters of the Wye. It is the ghosts of this tragic couple that are said to haunt the castle to this day.

Goodrich is in a pretty area, surrounded by rich meadows and farmlands. In and around the village are several old cottages and houses. These are built in grey stone and are mostly gothic in design. Not too far away from Goodrich is the market town of Ross-on-Wye, here the magnificent spire of the 13th-century St.Mary's church soars to a splendid 208ft above the rooftops of the town. Another important feature of this attractive town is the 17th-century market hall at the top of the High Street. The river wye meanders on it's journey through some fine countryside in this area and there are many places where you can stop to picnic on the river bank. Close-by the lush Forest of Dean offers many attractions and these include - an RSPB site, Clearwell Caves and the Dean Forest Railway. This is a part of England to visit at any time of year for there is much to explore and enjoy.
GOODRICH information submitted by Terri Walton