History of Ledbury traced

Well-known historian, garden writer, lecturer, critic and columnist Sir Roy Strong will officially launch a £226,000 project tracing Ledbury’s forgotten past.

Sir Roy, former director of the National Portrait Gallery and Patron of the Herefordshire Victoria County History Trust, will be special guest of honour at the launch of ‘England’s Past for Everyone – Ledbury’, at the Burgage Hall, Church Street, on Friday (December 2), at 7pm.

The project is part of a four-year nationwide initiative involving ten other counties across England producing in-depth histories for local communities.

As part of the Ledbury project two volumes depicting the past will be produced.

The first, due to be published in two years’ time, will cover Ledbury from 1500 onwards, while the second volume will explore the town before 1500.

Now local historians, societies and the public are being asked for their help to compile the volumes.

Dr Sylvia Pinches, Team Leader, said: “England’s Past for Everyone is all about making history lively and interesting for local communities as well as involving local people in compiling the volumes.

“This project will only be as successful as the local community wants it. The whole idea of the launch is to raise awareness and engage people.

“We want to hear not only from people who can offer research skills but also from people who perhaps have historical pictures of Ledbury, or a diary belonging to their great grandfather who may have been a tradesman.”

‘England’s Past for Everyone – Ledbury’ has received a £180,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as matched funding from the Herefordshire Victoria County Trust (VCH) with grants from Herefordshire Council and the University of Gloucestershire.

Along the way the research, found locally and nationally, will be placed online as part of ‘England’s Past for Everyone’.

There will be a separate ‘History Footsteps’ website which will be accessible to schoolchildren and anyone interested in Ledbury and its neighbourhood. 

It will also be specifically designed to achieve National Curriculum goals, enabling families to help their children with their homework and school projects. 

David Whitehead, Honorary Secretary of the VCH Herefordshire, added: “The research and publication will be guided by the Institute of Historical Research at London University and will involve local volunteers as well as professional historians. 

“The benefits of the project are far reaching. Not only can local enthusiasts learn how to research historical material but also schoolchildren can benefit from a lively new website.” 

During Friday’s (Dec 2) launch at the Burgage Hall, Dr Sylvia Pinches will describe her ambitions and aspirations for the Ledbury project.

Entry to the event is by ticket only. Tickets, which are free, are available from Ledbury Library.