A Brief History of Wigmore
The village of Wigmore in Herefordshire was founded as a borough in the 11th century, the village developed around crossroads below the castle. Considered a small village now, it was once a very busy and important place. By the early 14th century it was a prosperous market town with a weekly market and an annual fair. The town declined when the Mortimer family moved their administrative centre to Ludlow Castle.
The Church of St James occupies a commanding position overlooking the village. The church lies in the shadow of one of the most important castles in the history of the Welsh Marches. Founded in 1067 by William FitzOsbern, Wigmore castle was a major centre of power for over 500 years, playing host to several kings and queens. Held by the Mortimer family from about 1075 to 1425, it passed to the Crown and was later sold to Sir Thomas Harley in 1601. The castle fell into ruin after being deliberately slighted during the Civil War.
Wigmore Castle Timeline
1068-1072 First castle at Wigmore built by William FitzOsbern to strengthen the Welsh border as part of William the Conqueror’s huge defensive building programme. The castle was built of earth and timber. After FitzOsbern’s death the castle passed to the Mortimer family, who rebuilt it in stone.
The castle was built in stone in the 12th century and 13th century. In 1223 Hugh de Mortimer was granted 20 marks by Henry III towards strengthening the castle when Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) was threatening the border. It was once one of the largest castles built along the Welsh border.

It was rebuilt during the early 14th century, probably by Roger Mortimer and further work took place again in the 15th century. It was repaired during the mid to late 16th century by Sir Henry Sydney and used as a prison. The Harley family bought the castle in 1601 and dismantled the walls in 1643 to prevent it from being used by Royalist opposition forces. The castle was never rebuilt. Slowly over the years became heavily overgrown until the castle came into the care of English Heritage in 1995.
Interpretation boards are dotted around the site and one tells the story of the castle’s conservation in the 1990s by English Heritage which states a conscious will to retain its wildness.
The best way to visit the castle is to park at the local community hall and walk through the village past the church and onwards towards the castle. There is no parking or facilities at the castle site itself.
The History of St James’s Church, Wigmore
The present church dedicated to St James was founded in the 11th Century. It was rebuilt and extended in the 14th century with alterations made in the 15th century. The Herringbone masonry, called Opus Spicatum or “Spiked Work” is a style linked to the Roman and early Medieval Period. At St James’s Church it can be seen both inside and outside the church and dates to the 11th Century. It is likely that all of the original church was of this construction.

The chancel was rebuilt in the 14th Century and restored in 1868 at a cost of £270. The South Aisle was a 14th century addition to the church. The North Chapel of the church was probably added in the 14th/15th century. The West Tower dates back to the mid 14th century. The six bells held within date to 1721, one having being recast in 1889.

The octagonal stone font dates to the Medieval period, though the base is modern. The wooden pulpit is dated to the 16th century. The floor tiles are Victorian.
Churchyard, St James’s Church, Wigmore, Herefordshire

The circular shape of the churchyard suggests that the church was built on the site of a much earlier Christian religious site. Interesting features in the churchyard include an iron grave marker with the Star of David, a preaching cross and a very ancient Yew tree.
Walks in Wigmore
Parking at the Community Hall and head out on foot to the Church. From here you can go on to the Castle. This makes for a lovely afternoon walk. Village roads can be busy and the walk up to and around the castle a little steep and muddy.
If you enjoyed reading this article you might enjoy reading ‘The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Evesham’ or ‘The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Tewkesbury’
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