Blanche Parry

Peterchurch

It is likely that the original name for Peterchurch was Mafurn and as such is mentioned in the Llandaff Charters.

St. Peter's Wells

There were originally 3 springs - two good for eyes. Water for the larger well flowed through the mouth of a stone head of St. Peter into a pool where people with rheumatism bathed. Analysis shows it rich in carbonate of lime (hard water). Eight stone steps facilitated baptisms.
The spring issues from above Wellbrook Farm, joins a flow from Bradley's Wood, and, as Well Brook, empties into the River Dore. Once a water-supply for the village, the wells were restored in 2015.

The Golden Valley Railway

Ran from Hay–on–Wye to Pontrilas where it connected with the Great Western Railway line. The first sod for construction was cut by Lady Cornewall (see later) in 1876. Pontrilas to Dorstone opened in 1881 and the rest in 1889. The railway was always short of money. Children used it to get to school, though travelling could be leisurely as occasionally it would stop so the driver or fireman could collect mushrooms or pick daffodils. Closed completely in 1957. The route is adjacent to Peterchurch Church.

Church: St. Peter

The main body of the church is mid 12th century Norman, with a rope-moulded font, and it is divided into four parts or cells, which is very rare. The rounded apse still survives. The archways become narrower and lower as they near the altar. It is reputed to have been founded originally by King Offa of Mercia in the 8th century (see: Offa's Dyke below).

On the wall is a c.1773 depiction of the fish with the golden chain around its neck that floated down from Dorstone. Although suggested to be the origin of the name The Golden Valley this name is most likely to have been a consequence of the plethora of seasonal golden flowers, such as buttercups and dandelions. The valley is beautiful and is also fruitful as it has excellent quality alluvial red (Old Red Sandstone) soil.
The 1972 spire is fibre-glass and was fitted in three sections by a huge crane.

The extensive re-ordering in the Church now provides modern facilities and a central community meeting place, offering all kinds of activities including a lending library and The Hub Café. Medieval Churches were often similarly used by the community they served.
The Church yew tree was recently re–dated to 3,000 years old. Wish it could tell us what it has seen...
In the churchyard is the grave of Robert Jones who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1879 for his actions at the battle of Rorke's Drift, immortalised in the film 'Zulu'
See: The Abbeydore Deanery

1852 Almshouses in Church Road

(now private residences)

Kelly's Directory of Herefordshire, 1891, records: The charities are of about £9 yearly value, arising from monies left in 1729 by John Smith, and almshouses, built and endowed by the same benefactor, for six aged women with 7s (shillings, about £40 now) per week and fuel. These ladies could be from the Parishes of Peterchurch or Clifford. Trouble was the specified amount usually stayed the same so the value decreased over time. Wealthy individuals, like John Smith, often left bequests in Wills to help the poor and such charities may be found listed on boards hung in Churches. Interesting to look for...

Nag's Head

Known locally as 'The Nag', it has been in business since 1870 when it was a beer house.
A succession of owners include a wheelwright and a Hereford solicitor.

Snodhill Castle

There are several meanings of OE name snod but the earliest form here suggests Snodhill originally meant snowy hill. The castle stands on a high hill and the views from it are stunning. Head for the chapel from which the scenery is breath‐taking.
Equally, approach from across the valley and the castle commands the landscape. In this it is reminiscent of the location of Wigmore Castle, whose approach from Wales was further enhanced by this castle being reflected in the shallow mere then at its base.
The point of such positions was to demonstrate power, prestige and domination. Many castles were lime‐washed (like White Castle) for water‐proofing but also significantly to be visible / unmissable. They were meant to be seen to claim ownership of the surrounding land and to overawe opposition.
The stone castle, dating c.1068, was begun by William Fitz Osbern, 1st Earl of Hereford, as one of a string of fortifications built by the Normans facing Wales. See: Snodhill Castle
It is now being excavated, conserved and researched by The Snodhill Castle Preservation Trust and there are excellent information boards by the entrance.