Pembridge Amenity Trust

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Protecting the Scheduled Historic Buildings and Monuments of Pembridge. A Registered Charity No 1060265

Pembridge the Village - Pembridge has clearly seen many changes since its inception. The village pre-dates the Domesday book. A community has existed at this place for over 1000 years. At one point in its history the village exceeded Leominster in size and was an important centre of commerce during the mediaeval period. Following the Industrial Revolution, Pembridge appeared to "fall off the map" and economic activity declined. The village was left alone to continue its rural traditions in relative isolation and, as a consequence, much of its medieval character remained unspoiled.

Market Hall Conservation Project Completion

The Market Hall in the black and white village of Pembridge, north Herefordshire, once again was a bustling centre of trade with the first Farmers Market since the conservation of the building was completed. Throughout the project the words local and traditional have been to the fore. Local architects and craftsmen, local materials and traditional techniques were used throughout the conservation process. The opening celebrations continued this theme with the building being blessed by the Rector, Rev Julie Read before introducing village historian Kath Aston. Kath thanked everyone who had been involved in the project, highlighted the key points in the buildings 500 year history and then cut the ribbon, held by local children to declare the Farmers Market open. Local musicians then played to entertain the large crowd of shoppers and the stall holders provided local produce.

The Farmers Market was appropriate way to mark the event as Pembridge was first granted a royal charter for a market and two fairs in 1239. The Cowslip Fair in May and the Woodcock Fair in November were, during the middle ages, some of the largest hiring fairs in Herefordshire with people coming from all over the county. They were held until the 1940’s.

The Market Hall has been “dendro” (tree ring) dated to between 1502 to 1538, making it the oldest of its type in the country. The most recent conservation work prior to this was carried out in 1927 and the discovery of a penny from 1806 under the north-east post indicates another phase in the history of this fascinating building.

The project has been organised by Pembridge Amenity Trust (registered charity 1060265) under the supervision of Sarah Butler of Trevor Hewett Architects, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Herefordshire Rivers Leader+ and Herefordshire County Council with the Trust contributing 5% of all the eventual costs.

For more information please contact the secretary of the Pembridge Amenity Trust info@pembridgeamenitytrust.co.uk

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