ROSS-ON-WYE

GATEWAY TO THE WYE

Content2 TheBirthplaceofBritishTourism6 ATownofIndependentShops10 ExploringRoss13 What’soninRoss-on-Wye16 AWideRangeofOutdoorActivitiesonOffer18 CanoeHireCompanies21 LocalHeroes26 TransportandCarParks28 LeisureFacilities30 PlacesofWorship32 FreeInternetAccessinRoss

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We wish to thank all those who contributed articles for

this town guide.Thanks also to:

Norman Brickwell, and the many contributors of articles of

submitting photographs.

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This is a grand claim for a small herefordshire market town but it is widely recognised that Ross-

on-Wye is where it all started. We are not talking package tours in the style of Thomas Cook c1841 to begin with but modest excursions organised by the rector of Ross (the -on-Wye was added in the 1930’s) a Dr John Edgerton, who in 1745 began to charter boats to take visiting friends on trips along the Wye. it had become fashionable in the mid-17th century for wealthy young men to carry out a Grand Tour of the Continent to finish their education but Edgerton’s trips are the first example of an organised tour of the British landscape for purely recreational purposes. The attraction

of the Wye and its valley was the rugged beauty of its landscape, the honest toil of the rural peasant to be seen working on its banks and the ruins of ancient buildings which are found along it. Just outside of Ross are the remains of Wilton Castle (the gardens of which are open to the public on certain days throughout the summer months), further along is Goodrich Castle (English heritage) and further still is Tintern Abbey (also run by English heritage).

Edgerton seems to have been in tune with the newly developing ideas of aestheticism and the picturesque that began to appear in the mid-18th century in part as a reaction against the rationalism that had emerged during the earlier Age of Enlightenment when great strides were made in scientific advancement.

A great proponent of the picturesque was the Rev. William Gilpin who in 1782 published a book based on a journey along the Wye Valley and into Wales that he had made in 1770. it was entitled

TheBirthplaceofBritish Tourism

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“Observations on the River Wye and several parts of south Wales, etc. relative chiefly to Picturesque Beauty; made in the summer of the year 1770.“ it was the first illustrated tour guide to be published in Britain. The search for the picturesque became very fashionable as a result of Gilpin’s writings and The Wye Valley Tour was all the rage. Another factor in its popularity was no doubt the French Revolution of 1789 followed by the Napoleonic Wars when it became too dangerous for travel on the continent.

Gilpin defined the picturesque as ‘”that kind of beauty which is agreeable in a picture,” and he found what he was looking for in the Wye Valley. The Tour began in Ross and continued all the way down river to Chepstow. it attracted artists and poets including JMW Turner and William Wordsworth. By 1808 there were 8 boats carrying out regular trips down the river. ■

http://www.wiltoncastle.eclipse.co.uk

Pig’s Alley

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YOu won’t find an “identikit” high street in Ross-on-Wye, one that looks the same as every other

place you have visited. Ross is filled with unique, specialist shops owned by unique local business people here to serve you.

From ladies’ fashions, home ware, books and gifts to high street staples such as butchers, bakers and groceries Ross has it covered. There really is something here for everyone be you a fan of old books and antiques or costume jewellery and handbags. And once you have enjoyed visiting the shops you have a wide range of hotels and cafés to choose from for a relaxing meal or cup of coffee.

As you make your way along the shopping streets you may notice this symbol in many of the shop windows. it means

that the business is a member of the Association of Ross Traders (ART). set up in 2009, ART now has over 100 members, not all of which are

A Town of Independent Shops

shops, and is responsible for staging some of the events that now take place in the town such as the shrove Tuesday Pancake Races, May Fayre and Christmas Advent Fayre. For a full list of annual Ross events please see the list on page 12. hardly a week goes by when there isn’t something of interest happening in the town. For more information about ART and its members take a look at its website www.shopinross.co.uk . it also has a facebook page shop in Ross-on-Wye.

in addition to the shops there are a series of markets held throughout the year. The weekly ones are held on Thursday and saturday and in addition there is a farmers’ market on the 1st Friday of each month. During the summer months plant and antique markets are held on the 3rd Friday and Ross also has visiting French and italian markets at certain times of the year. A full list is available on the ART website above under Events or at: http://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/business/markets/Markets.aspx. ■

 

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The Market House was built circa 1650 in local Old Red sandstone and replaced an earlier building. The opening on the front looking down

Broad street is most likely the original entrance accessed by an exterior wooden staircase. On the east facing wall is a white stone medallion of Charles ii. Over the years it has performed many functions including court of law, council chamber and public library and is currently the Visitor Centre.

A Royal Charter granting the holding of markets was awarded to Ross by King stephen in 1138 when he visited hereford.

Exploring RossA market town like Ross has a long history and plenty of places of interest to visit. Because of its compact layout it doesn’t take long

to get around the town and take in the sites.

The Mock Gothic Walls and Gazebo Tower were built in 1833 by the Ross Turnpike Trustees as part of the redevelopment of the area which included the cutting of a new road, Wilton Road, leading from the high street to Wilton Bridge. This new road was suggested by Thomas Telford in 1824 as the existing Wye street was very steep and dangerous. The walls and tower were built in the “Picturesque” style which was very popular at the time and important to Ross, a destination for tourists in search of the picturesque Wye Valley.

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St Mary’s Parish Church was dedicated in 1316 although it has parts dating back to 1280. The tower was built in the early 14th century but the internal nave arcades were created in 1743. There are many monuments relating to local families inside the church and also references to the hedgehog which has a long association with the town dating back to Celtic times when the area was called Ergyng which means Land of the hedgehog. in saxon times this was changed to Arkenfeld and later Archenfield. ■

The Prospect Gardens were first laid out by John Kyrle as a pleasure garden for the people of Ross when he leased the land at the turn of the 18th century. in 1848 there was uproar when part of the area was annexed by the newly built Royal hotel. The matter was resolved when Thomas Blake purchased the largest and best part of the garden for the town in perpetuity. The garden affords wonderful views of the River Wye and its flood plain and is also home to the town’s War Memorial and beacon as well as a number of commemorative trees.

The Thomas Blake Garden links Wye street to the riverside and offers a meandering journey between the two. it was built in 1907 by the town’s folk to commemorate this great Victorian benefactor to Ross who died in 1901.

Wilton Castle and Gardens are situated just outside of Ross on the other side of Wilton Bridge. Wilton Castle is a scheduled ancient monument dating back to the 12th century. it is almost certain that a motte and bailey castle of timber construction existed at Wilton at the time of the Norman Conquest. it was originally built to guard the strategically important place where the road between Anglo-saxon England and Wales crossed the River Wye. it is within easy walking distance of the town centre (about 20 minutes) and well worth a visit during the summer months check the website for details www.wiltoncastle.co.uk.

For more information on historic Ross visit history with a Twist at The Corn Exchange in high street or The Visitor Centre in The Market house.

Bands in the Park

At the bandstand by the riverside Every sunday at 2.30pm from the second May Bank holiday until the end of August. Local Brass Bands play popular music.For more details go to http://www.rosstc-herefordshire.gov.uk/bandstand.php

Ross Rowing Club Regatta

The second Bank holiday Weekend in August. For more information go to http://www.rossrowingclub.co.uk/Ross_Rowing_Club/Welcome.html

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What’s on inRoss-on-Wye

Pancake Races

shrove Tuesday in Broad street organised by the Association of Ross Traders. For more information go to www.shopinross.co.uk

The May Fayre

Ross Town Centre. street entertainers, stalls and music. Organised by the Association of Ross Traders. For more information go to www.shopinross.co.uk

Broome Farm Cider Festival

At the end of August. For more information go to http://www.rosscider.com/

Ross Rocks

At the bandstand. A day of local talent including a mixture of different music styles, poetry and dance. For more information go to www.facebook.com/rossrocksevent

The Ross-on-Wye Country Music Festival

At Ross Rowing Club. For more information go to www.rosscarnival.org.uk/countrymusicfestival.html Organised by Ross Carnival Committee.

The Ross-on-Wye Carnival

The first saturday in August. in Ross town centre and by the riverside. A procession through the town followed by stalls and arena events by the riverside. Organised by Ross Carnival Committee. For more information go to www.rosscarnival.org.uk/countrymusicfestival.html

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Walkers are Welcome Walking Festival

usually the last weekend in september . A series of guided walks through the lovely landscape of the Ross area. For more information go to http://www.ross-on-wyewalkersarewelcome.co.uk/

Bonfire Night Fireworks

The nearest saturday to 5th November – The grounds of The Chase hotel. Organised by Ross Lions. For more information go to www.rossonwyelions.org/

The Advent Fayre

The first sunday in December. Ross town centre. A market, street entertainers and seasonal music. Organised by the Association of Ross Traders. For more information go to www.shopinross.co.uk.

The Christmas Carnival

held on the last saturday before Christmas in Ross town centre from 4pm. Father Christmas visits the children of Ross with a small present for each one. Organised by Ross Carnival Committee. For more information go to http://www.rosscarnival.org.uk/ christmas.html

Other useful links for what is on in Ross are:

www.visitherefordshire.co.uk ■

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A Wide Range of Outdoor Activities on Offer

WiTh its river, forests and undulating countryside the Ross-on-Wye area is perfect for

all sorts of outdoor pursuits. in 2010 the Wye was voted Britain’s Favourite River in a poll held by the WWF. in their press release WWF said:

The awards have been organised by the Our Rivers campaign - backed by the RsPB, WWF-uK, the Angling Trust and the salmon and Trout Association - to celebrate the nation’s rivers and highlight the threats to river wildlife. since launching in August thousands of people have cast their votes online for the rivers they love, and those which need urgent attention.

The Wye – which straddles the England-Wales border and has inspired artists and composers – was chosen for its iconic beauty, and abundance of wildlife. Voters described it as ‘magical and timeless’, ‘a haven for wildlife’ and a place ‘to get lost and slow down’.

The Wye is one of few rivers in Britain that has public rights of navigation which mean anyone can launch a boat on it below hay-on-Wye, this and its usually slow- flowing water make it very popular with amateur canoeists. The canoe launch in Ross was recently modified to give better access to the river for people

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with disabilities. There are a number of canoe hire companies operating in the area and it is easy to arrange a relaxing paddle down the river with motor transport returning you to your base. Fishing is also very popular on the Wye which is considered to be one of the best salmon rivers outside of scotland. Wye Angling in Ross is able to offer season and day permits http://www.wyenot.com/shops/wyeangling01.htm

Walkers are also well catered for in Ross. in 2009 the town was one of the first to be awarded Walkers are Welcome status and the local Ross Walking Club has now organised a number of very successful Walking

Festivals. There are routes for all abilities covering different terrain and of course there is the famous Wye Valley Walk which passes right through Ross http://www.wyevalleywalk.org/

Cycling is another popular outdoor pursuit in the area and the Forest of Dean is nearby with plenty of opportunities to cycle off road.

Bikes can be hired from Peddle a Bike Away http://www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk/ ■

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Canoe Hire CompaniesThe River Wye Canoe hire Company

c/o Ross sports Centre, Wilton Road, Ross-on-Wye, herefordshire, hR9 5JAEmail: thecanoehireco@live.co.uk Tel: 01600 890470 or 07525 377437 and ask for Mark simonswww.riverwyecanoehire.com

The Canoe hire Company

Martins Grove Business Park, symonds Yat West, herefordshire. hR9 6BJ.Email: info@thecanoehire.co.uk Tel: 01600 890 883www.thecanoehire.co.uk

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Wye Pursuits Ltd

Riverside house, Kerne Bridge, Nr. Ross On Wye, hR9 5QXEmail: info@wye-pursuits.co.uk Tel: 01600 891199 www.wye-pursuits.co.uk

Wye Canoes

Ye Olde Ferrie inn, symonds Yat West, Ross-on-Wye, herefordshire hR9 6BLTel: 01600 890027www.wyecanoes.com ■

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Local Heroes

As YOu walk around Ross it is hard to ignore the references to John Kyrle (pronounced curl). The local senior school is The John Kyrle Academy, at the top of Wye street is The Man of Ross Public house and there is

John Kyrle’s house in the Market Place, now partly occupied by Coleman’s. John Kyrle was the son of Walter Kyrle, after whom Kyrle street is named and was a barrister and MP. The family had lived locally for many generations and John was born at Dymock in 1637. he studied law at Balliol College in Oxford but didn’t graduate as before his studies were over he inherited the property in the Market Place in Ross and moved back to live in the town.

he is famous for all the good work he carried out in Ross choosing to live frugally himself and spend his money on improving the lives of the townsfolk. he invested in education and clean water and gave alms to the poor. he helped with the creation of The Prospect Garden, near st Mary’s Parish Church, and the planting of trees and also used his knowledge of the law and wisdom to mediate between quarrelling citizens.

John Kyrle was brought to the attention of a wider audience in 1734 when Alexander Pope eulogised him in the third of his “Moral Essays” titled: “Of the use of Riches.”

John Kyrle (1637-1724)“The Man of Ross,”

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Who taught that heav’n directed Spire to rise?The Man of Ross, each lisping babe replies.Behold the Market-place with poor o’erspread!He feeds yon Alms-house, neat, but void of state,Where Age and Want sit smiling at the gate;Him portion’d maids, apprentic’d orphans blest,The young who labour, and the old who rest.Is any sick? the Man of Ross relieves,Prescribes, attends, the med’cine makes, and gives,Is there a variance? enter but his door,Balk’d are the Courts, and contest is no more.Despairing Quacks with curses fled the place,And vile Attornies, now a useless race.

Kyrle’s house later became the King’s Arms inn where samuel Taylor Coleridge stayed in 1794. he mentioned Kyrle in a short poem he wrote about that time referring to “the man of Ross.”

Richer than misers o’er their countless hoards,Nobler than kings, or king-polluted lords,Here dwelt the man of Ross! O trav’ller, hear,Departed merit claims a reverent tear.If ‘neath this roof thy wine-cheered moments pass,Fill to the good man’s name one grateful glass:To higher zest shall mem’ry wake thy soul,And virtue mingle in th’ ennobled bowl.But if, like mine thro’ life’s distressful sceneLonely and sad thy pilgrimage hath been;And if, thy breast with heart-sick anguish fraught,Thou journeyest onward tempest-tost in thought;Here cheat thy cares! in generous visions melt,And dream of goodness thou hast never felt!

Kyrle was later remembered in the formation of The Kyrle society formed in 1876, by the hill sisters Miranda and Octavia to improve the life of working people by setting out parks, encouraging house decoration, gardening and flower growing. The society was one of the first civic amenity bodies and a fore runner of the National Trust of which Octavia was also a founding member. ✥

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NOT as widely celebrated as John Kyrle but in some ways even more deserving of the title Man

of Ross, Thomas Blake was a Victorian philanthropist of the first order. he was born above Blake’s hardware store, now The General Tool store, at the junction of Brookend street and station street in 1825 and through a long career, begun at the local post office, amassed a huge fortune which he mostly spent on the people and town of Ross.

he is commemorated in Ross by The Thomas Blake Garden which connects the top end of Wye street with the riverside by The hope and Anchor Public house and by Blake Avenue. The garden was created after his death by grateful townsfolk who wanted to remember the generosity of this honored citizen and was opened in1907. since 2011 a group of volunteers has been working with herefordshire Council to improve the gardens. Blake was elected as Liberal MP for Leominster from 1876 to 1880 and then as MP for the Forest of Dean in 1886 but resigned from the house of Commons in 1887.

Amongst his many good works in the town was the donation of a building in Broad street for use as a public lending library. he put a large sum towards rebuilding the Baptist Church, also in Broad st, and bought The Prospect Gardens giving it to the town and securing its future for public use.

A wealth of local information about Ross and its prominent citizens is available in books and pink publications by The Ross-on-Wye and District Civic society. www.rosscivic.org.uk ■

Thomas Blake MP (1825-1901)

Below: Blake Garden Volunteers

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Transport Car parks● Ross-on-Wye is well served by the road network. it is located at the start of both the M50 and A49 and the A40 runs through the town making it an ideal base for travel to south Wales, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and shropshire.

● National Express coaches run regularly to London and more details can be found on the website www.nationalwexpress.com. in addition, regular services are run by stagecoach that connects Ross-on-Wye to the surrounding district and towns.

● Ross-on-Wye has a total of 857 parking spaces in the town located in 10 car parks. in addition, on-street parking is permitted for 30mins in the main shopping areas of the town. Fees for car parks start from as little as 50p per hour with Wilton Road car park, located on the edge of town but extremely convenient for the river, free of charge.

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skateboard Park & Table Tennis

Wilton Road car park has a popular skateboard facility. it is also anticipated that during 2012 three outdoor table tennis tables will be installed in Ross. One at the Tennis Centre, one at Wilton Road sports Centre and one at Tudorville and District Community Centre.

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Leisure FacilitiesThe Ross swimming Pool and Gym

Red Meadow, Ross-on-Wye, herefordshire, hR9 7DBTel: 0300 012 1222 www.haloleisure.co.uk

The Ross Tennis Centre & Putting Green

Ashfield Park Road, Ross-on-Wye, hR9 5AR Coaching available.Tel: 01989 566607 www.rosstenniscentre.co.uk

Ross-on-Wye Bowling Club & Petanque

The Crossfields, Old Maid’s Walk, Ross-on-Wye, hR9 5AR Tel: 01989 562585 www.ross-on-wye.bowlsclub.info

The Phoenix Theatre & screen at The Phoenix

A gem of a theatre that has regular stage shows and film screenings on state of the art digital equipment.

Palace Pound, st. Mary’s street, Ross-on-Wye, hR9 5hTTel: 01989 564570 Email: info@phoenix-theatre.org.uk www.phoenix-theatre.org.uk

The Visitor Centre

situated in the heart of Ross-on-Wye in the famous sandstone Market house of 1650, this centre offers a flavour of the heritage of this historic town on

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panels and in photographs. The centre also offers extensive resources for the family history researcher, hands-on elements for younger visitors, children’s activities in all of the school holidays and an excellent gift shop stocking local books, gifts and souvenirs.

As well as exploring local history it is also host to a wide range of frequently changing community exhibitions. if you or your society would like to host an exhibition at the Market house Visitor Centre please phone us on 01432 260675 01432 260675 or 260666 for more information. The Visitor Centre also comprises a one-stop shop for all your tourist information services from National Express bookings, to hotels, event tickets and local information.

Market Place, Ross on Wye, hR9 5hD, Tel: 01432 260675 visitorcentreross@ herefordshire.gov.uk ■

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Places of Worship

St Mary the Virgin Parish Church – Church street.

Contact details:Benefice Office, The Rectory, Church street, Ross-on-Wye, hR9 5hN Tel: 01989 562175 Fax: 01989 564196 www.rtm.org.uk

Ross has a rich and diverse spiritual life which is reflected in the number of places of worship in the town.

The Baptist Church – Broad street.

Contact details:Ross-on-Wye Baptist Church Office18 The CroftsRoss-on-WyehR9 7ABTel: (01989) 566966 Fax: (01989) 565018info@rossbaptist.org www.rossbaptist.org

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St Francis of Rome – sussex Avenue.

Contact details:Tel: 01989 562186 rossrcchurch@btinterneet.com www.stfrancesofrome.org.uk

Christchurch – Edde Cross street. A place of worship used by the united Reformed Church, Methodists and The New Life Church.

Methodists - www.herefordshiremethodists.org.uk/christ-church

Contact details:New Life Church, P.O. Box 2, Ross-on-Wye, herefordshire hR9 5XY. Mobile: 07809 679117 or 01989 564251 www.newlifeross.co.uk

Henry Street Evangelical Church – henry street.

Contact details:henry streetRoss-on-WyehR9 7AA Tel: 01989 562885

The Friends Meeting House - 3a Brampton street.

Contact details:Tel: 01989 768819clerk.rossonwye@hmwquakers.org.uk http://www.hmwquakers.org.uk/html/ross-on-wye.html

Kingdom Hall – homs Rd. ■

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Free InternetAccess in Ross

Ross-on-Wye Library and Information Centre

Cantilupe RdRoss-on-WyehR9 7ANTel: 01432 383280● 2 Visitor Terminals available free for 20 minutes at a time● 2 Junior Terminals (for Ross Library Card holders only) 2hrs free at a time● 8 Adult Terminals (for Ross Library Card holders only) 2hrs free at a time

EnviroAbility

1-2 Cantilupe CourtCantilupe Rd (opposite the Library)Ross-on-WyeTel: 01989 763388● 6 Terminals which can be booked for upto 2 hours at a time free In addition a number of hotels, bars and cafes offer WiFi access. ■

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