Hereford and Tewkesbury

May 8 - 13 2019

The History Boys (and Girls)

Post from John

Time for our first “proper” trip of the year – and like 2018, it was to be a short break with our friends Barbara and Clive. Our rendezvous was at Brockhampton Estate, a National Trust property west of Worcester. This medieval manor house, later a more humble farmhouse, provided an interesting and enlightening few hours (after the obligatory visit to the tearoom).

Our base for the next couple of days was the Caravan Club affiliated site of Lucksall, about 4 miles outside Hereford. This proved to a an immaculately kept site, nestled alongside the River Wye, with some of the largest pitches we’ve ever seen. The next morning saw us catching the bus from outside the site entrance, bound for Hereford. The day was dull and rainy, so inside activities were in order. First up was the wonderful “Brick History” exhibition in the city library, with significant events from the past (the Big Bang, the destruction of Pompeii, the Boston Tea Party…) recreated in Lego.

Then on to the Cathedral, not just to admire the wonderful architecture, but to visit the Mappa Mundi. Dating from around 1300, this is the largest medieval map believed still to exist. Amazingly detailed, it served as both a geographic and theological document. 

Part of the Mappa Mundi

Friday was better weather, so we all donned our walking boots and set off on a circular walk that Clive had researched. The route took us through the nearby village of Mordiford, then alongside the river before heading up into the wooded hills. After a picnic lunch in the woods, we ended up back at the pub in Mordiford for a welcome drink.

The next morning, we had a leisurely start before driving the short distance to Tewkesbury Caravan and Motorhome Club site. This is situated in the heart of the town, close to the abbey. It was to the abbey we headed in the afternoon, and were intrigued to watch rehearsals taking place for an operatic performance that evening. The sounds of strings and voices were a fitting backdrop as we explored the building, reckoned to be one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. A short wander around the town completed the day.

Clive was out and about early with his camera on Sunday morning, to photograph the Tewkesbury marathon, the route of which passed close to the site. The rest of us joined him a little later, and walked to short distance to the Avon, watching narrowboats manoeuvring on the river, before crossing onto the Severn Ham. This is a large area bounded by the Rivers Severn and Avon, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and home to many varieties of flora and fauna. As we walked around the area, Clive and Barbara improved our wildlife knowledge by identifying the various birds we could hear and see.

After lunch we had a stroll around the area known as the vineyards, south of the abbey, site of some of the final fighting in the Battle of Tewkesbury, a decisive engagement in the Wars of the Roses. The Yorkists heavily defeated the Lancastrians, some survivors of whom fled to seek sanctuary in the Abbey, only to be dragged out and summarily executed.

On Monday we packed up and made the short (1 hour) journey home, once again having had an enjoyable time more or less on our doorstep.

A slightly longer trip coming up next….