Historic Buildings

The Local History Society is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a grant from the National Lottery through Awards for All to fund a historical survey of the buildings in the old part of the town. Much is known already about Bromyard’s historic past from documentary research but there is only scant information about its buildings. Bromyard became a medieval borough in the 12^th century. Many of the surviving shops & houses originated in the 15^th – 17^th centuries but these origins [of which there are but few published records] are concealed by new frontages, extensions, infillings etc. There is a rich historical and architectural heritage waiting to be found behind these modern facades.

Through the proposed survey we plan to gather more information concerning the development of the town in the 15^th – 17^th centuries. This we hope to achieve through a detailed study of least fifty Bromyard buildings with a view to understanding their phasing, design and where possible their original and subsequent function; the area of investigation to be focussed on High Street, Broad Street and the Market Square. The project is to be spread over a twelve month period. We feel that a better understanding of the buildings can be a valuable asset in terms of promoting the town, raising its profile and encouraging tourism. It is also a project that will, we believe and hope, be of interest to owners and occupiers if it adds to the sum of knowledge concerning their houses.

We are aware that individual privacy is important but obviously this is a project that can only succeed with the cooperation and goodwill of owners and occupiers so we look forward to your support in this valuable work.

The project has the backing of the Mayor and local organisations.

The work of recording houses will be carried out by Duncan James, an independent specialist in the study of timber framed buildings. Duncan is already well known to many people in Bromyard; the History Society has enjoyed several of his excellent computer presentations and field visits looking at timber framed buildings and we are delighted that he has agreed to carry out this work in Bromyard. He has carried out similar projects in Herefordshire including Weobley, Ledbury, Pembridge, Eardisley and Whitbourne.

We would stress that it will not involve an invasion by groups eager to research the bricks and mortar – it is to be done on a one-to-one basis. We hope to contact owners individually over the coming months.

At the end of the project there will be a public lecture and presentation to explain the findings and their significance. The results of the survey will be widely publicised, both in an academic and in a shorter ‘easy-to-read’ format and will be the subject of an exhibition at the History Centre.

There is to be a further presentation at the Conquest Theatre on Wednesday 5^th November. It will mark the halfway point of the project. All are welcome

Mandy Palmer, Chairman 01885 490269

Duncan James 01544 267333 Jennifer Weale, project organiser 01886 821368

Latest News

The Buildings Research – A progress report – News from the Front

Since the well-attended launch at the Conquest Theatre on the 11^th June, the project is well underway and we have seen much that is of note both historically and aesthetically. Public interest and support for the project continues and it is clear that the History Society has an excellent public profile.

Over thirty buildings have now been seen although this represents considerably more separate units of accommodation as, for example, it is not enough to visit just the shop – the flats above need to be seen as well. Frequently, two shops are within the same building, so access is vital in order to understand the phasing of the structure.

There have been many cellars to crawl through but, as ever, there is a degree of frustration because a 15^th century cellar may look no different to one that was dug out in the 18^th century – although I have a hunch that the neatly cut, square cellars reflect a more modern mind set and that in the earlier periods there was less obsession with the neat and tidy – especially if the bedrock was particularly intractable.

One very pleasant surprise has been the discovery of an early building. Not noted by the RCHME in the 1930s, number 17 High Street – the dress shop “SEZ” – turns out to be rather special and possibly built in the 15^th century. After further investigations there will be more on this.

One particular pleasure has been to see and record the 17^th century staircases in No. 14 The Square; No. 1 The Square, and a few fragments in 30 Broad Street. They may all be products of the same workshop.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable houses in Bromyard is the dental surgery in the High Street at No. 32 with its wonderful plaster ceilings and a staircase that spirals its way up through the building in a most spectacular fashion. All this would, for me, make a visit to the dentist a pleasure to savour.

There is to be a further presentation at the Conquest Theatre on Wednesday 5^th November. It will mark the halfway point of the project. All are welcome

Duncan James.

Timber-framing at 27 High Street	Blocked window at Nunwell Priory
Staircase at the Dental Surgery, 27 High Street

Map showing progress so far

Have you a bit of the ancient Bishop’s Palace in your house?

The following advert appeared in the Hereford Journal 1^st July 1807. This must refer to the Bishop of Hereford’s medieval Palace that is thought to have been on the site of the early 19^th century vicarage & garden [now Council Offices].

PALACE

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION

On the PREMISES, on Tuesday the seventh day of July 1807 at Twelve o’clock, in one lot,

ALL the MATERIALS that compose a very large TIMBER HOUSE called THE PALACE,

at Bromyard, containing many valuable pieces of Oak

Timber, of considerable Dimensions, and other Articles,

All worthy of the attention of Persons engaged in Building.

Particulars may be known by application to the Rev. Dr. Cope, or Mr. P. Bray, Solicitor, Bromyard

The Buildings Research – a progress report – or News from the Front.

I was delighted with the well-attended launch at the Conquest Theatre on the 11^th June, which showed how much hard work had been done by History Society members in spreading the word. There is clearly a lot of public interest in the project and I have been greatly encouraged by the warm welcome that we have received in all of the buildings visited. So far, nine houses have been visited and draft reports prepared on each one. Significant features have also been photographed including staircases, doors, panelling and other details that can help to inform us about the development of each building.

I can report that we have already seen what seems like acres of cellars in Bromyard – one of which appeared in part to have been cut down through the bedrock! We have also heard the inevitable tales of underground routes to the church so we expect any day now to be surfacing in the nave having forced our way through half a mile of cobweb laden tunnel.

Cellars were, in the past, used far more than now for domestic purposes as indicated by the presence of fireplaces long abandoned in the gloom. We have been on the look out for evidence of early cellars – that is – ones that do not fit the house above or have been modified to do so – but so far we have drawn a blank.

We were given a thorough tour of the Hop Pole, all of which made me realise what a valuable and attractive asset this is to the town. The former assembly room on the first floor along the entire front is a great feature, flooded with light from the large bay windows. The impressive attics were also seen and these proved to contain a superb, sturdy roof structure, typical of the second half of the 18^th century.

The earliest building so far seen has been No. 4 & 6 The Square where the owners have been working very hard towards its opening as a tearoom when visitors will be able to appreciate the timber framing inside and gain some sense of its former importance in the Market Place.

Duncan James - 29^th June 2008