Close to the city centre, there are 3 historic church buildings – all very different but all possessing something special.
Hereford Cathedral, situated at one end of Broad Street, may not be the biggest cathedral in England but it is one of relevance and absolutely a nationwide prize really worth exploring. Set on the banks of the River Wye it stands on the site of previous Saxon religious buildings. The first elements of the present structure are the choir, transepts and choir aisles, that date to the eleventh century.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll uncover the 800-year-old St Stephens Chair, the splendid retrieved Shrine of St Thomas of Hereford in the North Transept and the beautiful Early English Lady Chapel. In fact, as well as the substantial early 14th century central tower, there are many fine illustrations of structure from the Norman era to the present day.
Hereford Cathedral is additionally of international importance as it plays host every three years} to the 3 Choirs Festival, that is the oldest classical music festival in Europe. The festival is organised on a rotation foundation with the other cathedral cities of Gloucester and Worcester.
At the other end of Broad Street is All Saints Church and you won’t fail to notice its high 14th century spire towering over the surrounding buildings. But there’s practically nothing austere about the welcome you’ll get in All Saints. Step inside and you’ll see that it’s split into the ancient and modern, with a terrific contemporary cafe at one end.
The historical church incorporates a wealth of high-quality treasures like the ornately carved 14th century choir stalls, which, if you take a close look, have some comical misericords that would definitely have amused the French monks who owned All Saints at the time. Other points of note are the intricate pulpit, a 1600s hourglass (to put a stop over-long sermons!) and a gloriously colourful stained glass window.
St Peter’s Church is the other medieval parish church in the heart of Hereford but this one has a somewhat chequered past! Constituted by Walter de Lacy in the eleventh century, not long after the spire was erected, the unfortunate man suffered fatal injuries when he plunged from the battlements. The church has its own ghost too – though it isn’t de Walter Lacy; the spirit is believed to be that of a medieval monk who was murdered by Welsh marauders.
To visit these churches and more, and to take full benefit of your stay, book from a large selection of Hereford Accommodation; you’re certain to locate something to suit your needs and your (pocket~wallet}.
