Above is a section from the ‘Painted Room’ in Ledbury Council House. Open for visitors.
LEDBURY TOWN
THE MARKET HOUSE
Often described as ‘England as it used to be’, a stroll along the historic streets of Ledbury and an exploration of the narrow alleyways cannot fail to be rewarding.
Known for its wide range of independent shops, especially high quality homeware stores. It also has a wide choice of historic pubs and cafes, in which to relax and take time to enjoy the gentle buzz of this lovely town.
For a small market town Ledbury has a surprising number of important and interesting buildings from all ages.
Start with the 13th century St Katherine’s Hall and Chapel on the High Street and the parish church at the top of the picturesque Church Lane. Throughout the town you will also discover…
- Black and white timbered buildings from the 1500s to late Jacobean.
- Red brick Georgian terraces.
- And 19th century additions such as the whimsical Barrett Browning Institute and the former Congregational Chapel, hidden away up one of the alleyways.
If time is short don’t miss Church Lane, almost hidden behind the Market House. This is a cobbled pathway taking you past cafes, museums and quaint houses. Leads up to the ancient heart of the town and the Church of St Michael and All Angels with its rare detached bell tower. Picture perfect!
If you would like to explore Ledbury in ‘real life’, our Heritage Trail Map will guide you on a short walking tour around the town. The Map is £1 from the Butcher Row Museum.
HERITAGE TRAIL
The Ledbury Heritage Trail explores the ancient heart of Ledbury. The trail is about half a mile long and is level throughout, making it suitable for wheelchair users.
The map of the trail was published in 2010 and more than 8,000 copies have been sold to date. The map gives you a brief history of Ledbury and has some delightful sketches of some of Ledbury’s most notable buildings. A3 size and folded so it can be put in a pocket.
CHURCH LANE
JOHN MASEFIELD TRIBUTE
LEDBURY TOWN'S LISTED BUILDINGS
Three Grade I listings, The Market House, Church of St Michael and All Angels and Ledbury Park. Plus 22 Grade II* properties. And 219 Grade II buildings.
GRADE I LISTED
Click an image for a gallery with buildings named.
GRADE II* LISTED
Click an image for a gallery with buildings named.
GRADE II LISTED
Click an image for a gallery with buildings named.
FAMOUS LEDBURY NAMES
Ledbury is known for its buildings, but it can boast some famous names too, principally from the world of poetry. Today it is the home of the Ledbury Poetry Festival but its connections are historic.
Ledbury was the birthplace of the poet John Masefield. It was the home of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and is associated with the Dymock Poets…
- Lascelles Abercrombie
- Rupert Brooke
- John Drinkwater
- Robert Frost
- Wilfrid Gibson
- Edward Thomas
JOHN MASEFIELD, POET LAUREATE 1930-1967
LEDBURY EVENTS
Ledbury is noted for its eclectic calendar of events, from the nationally renowned Poetry Festival to the fun of the local Carnival with much else in between. Plus a programme of major events at nearby Eastnor Castle and Hellens Manor.
