Herefordshire
WELCOME TO herefordshire
Province Overview
Hereford
2,180 km2
193000
English
Popular
Geography and Tourist Attractions
Information about the province's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.
The Wye Valley
The Malvern Hills
Hereford Cathedral
Political
Economy and Government
Herefordshire is a county located in the West Midlands region of England. Its economy is diverse and includes agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and service sectors.
Agriculture is a significant contributor to the Herefordshire economy, with the county known for its production of apples, cider, and beef. The county is also home to a number of small and medium-sized businesses in manufacturing, such as engineering, metalworking, and food processing.
Tourism is an important sector, with Herefordshire attracting visitors to its picturesque countryside, historic buildings, and cultural events such as the Hay Festival. The county also has a strong service sector, including healthcare, education, and professional services.
The government of Herefordshire is run by the Herefordshire Council, which is responsible for providing a range of public services, including education, social services, housing, and planning. The council is made up of elected representatives who are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the county's residents.
In addition to the local council, Herefordshire is represented in the UK Parliament by two Members of Parliament (MPs) who are elected to represent the county's two constituencies: North Herefordshire and Hereford and South Herefordshire. The MPs work in the national government to represent the interests of their constituents and to help shape national policies that affect the county.
History
History and Culture
Herefordshire has a rich and varied history that spans many centuries. The county's earliest known inhabitants were the Iron Age Dobunni tribe, who settled in the area around 500 BC. Later, the Romans established a settlement at Magnis, which is now known as Kenchester.
In the Middle Ages, Herefordshire was a centre for wool production and trade, and the county's agricultural wealth led to the construction of many impressive churches and castles. One of the most famous landmarks from this period is Hereford Cathedral, which was built in the 11th century and is home to the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world.
During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Herefordshire was a Royalist stronghold, and a number of battles were fought in the county. The aftermath of the war saw the establishment of a number of Nonconformist churches, which have had a lasting influence on the county's culture.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Herefordshire became known for its cider production, and the county's rolling hills and picturesque countryside have long been a draw for tourists. Today, Herefordshire is also known for its festivals and cultural events, including the Hay Festival, the Three Choirs Festival, and the Herefordshire Art Week.
Herefordshire's cultural heritage is celebrated in a number of museums and galleries across the county, including the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, the Waterworks Museum, and the Black and White House Museum in Hereford. The county is also home to a number of historic buildings and landmarks, such as Eastnor Castle, Hellens Manor, and Berrington Hall, which offer a glimpse into the county's rich history and culture.