Survey reveals town's distinctive character

4:20am Friday 15th August 2008

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BROMYARD’S buildings have given up some of their secrets during an exhaustive study by a historical specialist.

The town’s local history society employed Duncan James to conduct a comprehensive study of timber-framed buildings in the centre of town.

His search revealed Bromyard’s distinctive character dates back even further than previously thought.

He said: “Bromyard is very different to Ledbury and Leominster.

“You would almost expect for them all to be built the same way but that’s not the case.

“We have seen a lot of hidden treasurers in the sense of some spectacular staircases and fire places.

“There have been some very special features hidden away.”

One particular building singled out by Mr James was number five Broad Street, currently housing Age Concern Bromyard downstairs.

“That is a building that was a real statement of significance. It wanted to tell the world it was an important building,” he said.

The study, which began in May, has dated the building to the 17th century but is still trying to determine what its original use was.

“It’s slowly leading us to a better understanding of the building and what it may have functioned as,” added Mr James.

An illustrated talk by Duncan James explaining the work carried out so far will take place at the Conquest Theatre, Tenbury Road, on Wednesday, November 5 from 7.30pm.

It will be free and open to anyone who wants to attend.