In 930AD Hereford was the capital of the Southern Marchlands assuming the role of shire town with its own mint and market situated within the Close. The town itself was centred around the crossroads at the junction of King Street/Broad Street/Castle Street and the ancient trackway leading to the river crossing and ford. The cathedral of wooden construction was at this time situated within the south westerly corner of the site. Life was good and the population prospered into the next century, only to be challenged in 1055 by the Welsh and Danes who entered and ransacked the town causing great loss of life. Order was once again restored with the appointment of Harold Godwinson as Earl of Hereford [later King Harold], who set about making the town better defended to include a broad deep ditch. Saxon honour was restored and stability maintained.

However, following the Norman Conquest and demise of King Harold, William FitzOzbern, favourite of William and Conqueror, was appointed Earl and immediately set about smashing the power of the local Saxon hierarchy. As a first step FitzOzbern created a new town outside the Saxon defences centred around a new market, now known as High Town. All principal markets and fairs was duly transferred to the new site, leaving established trade bereft. As an incentive to settle, his Norman followers were offered handsome tax allowances together with the acquisition of real estate around the new market to develop new businesses. At a stroke, the old Saxon order was checked and demoralized. FitzOzbern’s final triumph was a long-term plan to shift the seat of power by resiting a new cathedral to block access to Castle Street and the vibrant Saxon markets. As part of the long-term plan, All Saints Church was constructed near to the North Gate/Broad Street, thus isolating the old town from the new. As a result a series of passages developed, crossing the Saxon ditch by a way of flimsy bridges - Church Street being an example.

It is difficult not to spot the analogy between past and present and it is indeed strange how history repeats itself, for within the context of Hereford today local people are presented with the same Saxon dilemma.

Julie Orton-Davies - 56 St Peters Close, Moreton on Lugg HR4 8DN

[01432] 760772

jod43@hotmail.co.uk