The church of the Holy Rood suffered flooding in 1811, after which it was modified and then further restored in the late 19th century.

In 1864  a wonderful new organ was installed – it was a testament to the esteem in which the Rector at the time was held;  only a few months earlier he had expressed a vague wish that the church should have a new organ, and immediately the necessary funds came pouring in.

It was made by Bevington and Son of London, and was judged to have an excellent tone.

The legend of the Mordiford Dragon

Mordiford had its very own dragon, although the legend has varied over the years as did the painting of it in the church. Sometimes it was shown as green with two wings, and sometimes red with four wings or variations on the theme. The first part of the story has always remained much the same, in that a little girl in the village, called Maud, discovered a baby dragon and took it home to care for it. Her parents were naturally not best pleased, and told her to get rid of the creature but she didn’t, and secretly fed it milk. After a bit of course, as is the way with dragons, it needed more than milk and started raiding the local livestock and then people. It eventually left Maud and made a home in the woods but it never forgot her kindness and was good enough not to eat her. From here on the story varies widely; one version was that a member of a local family, the Garstons (whose family crest includes a Wyvern – a sort of dragon) killed the dragon. Another version maintains that a prisoner facing execution was given the chance of freedom if he slew the dragon…….he managed to do this, but died anyway because the dragon breathed fire on him. The final version of the dragon’s demise involved the flooding of the River Lugg which caused the death of some cows…….the dragon gorged itself on these carcasses and fell fast asleep, whereupon the villages all clubbed it to death.

An 18th Century Version of the Tale of the Dragon of Mordiford

“At a remote period, very far beyond the memory of man and very obscurely ascertained by tradition, there lived in the woody steep not far from Mordiford a monster with prodigious wings, which committed various and alarming depredations among the cattle, and even the inhabitants of the neighbourhood.  The monster was wont to resort to a particular spot for the purpose of allaying his thirst, and this was at the confluence of the Wye and the Lug.

Many and great were the rewards which the good people of Mordiford offered to anyone who should destroy the dragon, but it seems that no man was found of sufficient courage to engage in so perilous an adventure.

At length, a malefactor who had been condemned to die, undertook to kill the serpent and relieve the Mordifordians from their daily and nightly fears, on condition of receiving his pardon as the reward of his valour.  The condition being granted, the hero concealed himself in a barrel at the water’s edge and lay in ambush for his dreadful foe.  The barrel was formidable, bristling with long sharp pointed pieces of steel.

The wiles of the serpent being thus overcome, when he came to drink as usual the contest began;  it lasted for a considerable time, but as the dragon lashed in furious anger at the barrel with its tail, it managed to severely injure itself on the steel spikes, and eventually retired, blood soaked and weak, to the bank of the river.  The hero boldly approached the dragon, sure of victory, but just as he struck the fatal blow, in horrible spite at the triumph about to be obtained over it, the dragon lifted its head one final time and poisoned the man with its breath.

Thus they lay dead, side by side.

Churches of Mordiford

• Holy Rood church - Mordiford

  This is the only church dedicated to The Holy Rood in Herefordshire.

  The church of the Holy Rood suffered flooding in 1811, after which it was modified and then further restored in the late 19th century.

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  In 1864  a wonderful new organ was installed – it was a testament to the esteem in which the Rector at the time was held;  only a few months earlier he had expressed a vague wish that the church should have a new organ, and immediately the necessary funds came pouring in.

   

  It was made by Bevington and Son of London, and was judged to have an excellent tone.

  Read More >

News from the Past Mordiford

• Mordiford News from the Past

  Riotous behaviour,  a naughty policeman. assault and much more

  1811 – Severe Storm and Floods Devastate Mordiford

  During the afternoon in late May 1811 a tremendous thunderstorm arrived in the County, and there were severe repercussions in Mordiford.

  Flood water collected from the adjoining hills of Backbury and Fownhope and formed a torrent which swept down and destroyed a corn mill, a cottage and a barn.  Much of the mill was swept away, but the saddest thing was that the miller, his maid servant, a female cottager and her daughter were taken away by the flood, and their bodies were not found for some considerable time.

  Many pigs were also lost and trees were uprooted and borne along the river.

  The damage that was done was scarcely believed, given that the storm lasted such a short time.

  1832 – Drowning of Young Boy

  Thomas Russell, a three year old child was last seen by his father,  playing near the Mill by the River Lugg.

  A little later, the father became worried when he saw his son’s hat at the bottom of the steps leading to the river, and started to frantically search.

  It was not until four days later that Thomas’s body was found caught up in bushes near to Mordiford Bridge.

  1835 – Tragedy at Mordiford

  Mrs. Carpenter, the widow of the miller who died as described in the flood report above, was overseeing the delivery of a load of wheat to the mill.

  The bag which the men were hoisting to the upper floor somehow slipped from its chain and dropped straight onto Mrs. Carpenter.  Despite immediate medical attention, the poor woman died within an hour.

  It was said of her that “few women have passed through the ordeal of this life with more credit to themselves than she did;  upright, honest, and just in all her dealings, she obtained the respect of all who knew her.”

  1847 – The Sad Case of a “Lunatic

  James Whetstone of Mordiford, alias “Tim Bobbin” was described as a “poor unfortunate creature”.

  He had lost the use of both of his arms, and also “the gift of his proper senses”, and was charged by P.C. Jas. Wainscott with having hugely annoyed Mr. Llewellyn the overseer.

  James was told not to come into the city again, and the police were told to escort him as far as Eign;  however, they didn’t get very far before James lay on his back in the road shouting “Murder” at the top of his voice, and resisting all attempts to move him as well as he could without arms.

  It was decided that his appearance and violence of manner and language showed that he was not fit to be at large in the streets of Hereford.

  I am not sure what happened to the poor man, but suspect that he would have been locked up either in gaol or the workhouse.

   

  1852 – Assault by Husband at Mordiford

  William Griffiths, a Sawyer of Mordiford, was summoned by his wife for having assaulted her.

  The couple were elderly, and some ill feeling had been growing between them for some time.

  The wife displayed great volubility of tongue in court, and she made a long statement littered with seemingly inconsequential matters such as a lost goose, and her finding her husband with his arm around the waist of a woman on a cart returning from Hereford.

  However, it seems the lost goose was discovered at the house of the woman to whom her husband had paid such attention to, and a little later a massive row ensued during which William Griffiths knocked his wife down and then kicked her.

  William declared that his wife removed her things from their house, and he thought that he was rid of her.  (Clearly no love lost there then!).

  In court, William was told that no matter what the provocation, he should not have been violent…..he replied “but if she won’t be quiet, what be I to do?”

  The Magistrate said that nothing justified assaulting his wife, whereupon William said that he had no idea whether she was his wife or not.  At this, his wife starting ranting, but was cut short and ordered to remain silent.

  Eventually, the Magistrate fined William £1 plus 7s costs, with the remark that the assault was a disgrace.  He said that he thought William should be bound over to keep the peace, but the wife said there was no reason for this as she would never live with him again.  William replied that he was very glad to hear that, and after reluctantly paying the fine whilst bemoaning all his hardships and grievances, he was ordered out of the room.

   

  1853 – Sunday Rioting at Mordiford

  John Roberts, William Haines and Thomas Davies were charged by William Spencer, the parish constable of Mordiford, with fighting and riotous conduct in Mordiford on a Sunday.

  The men, with others, had been drinking at the Moon public house and started quarrelling.  Thomas Davies went out with John Roberts to fight, and William Haines urged them on, despite people trying to stop them.

  The men then crossed over Mordiford Bridge into the parish of Fownhope in order to get away from those who were trying to stop the fighting.  In court,  all of them were loudly denouncing the character of the policeman, saying that he was often in pubs after closing town, and wondering why he was allowed to do so.

  The Magistrate took note of their remarks, and said that the policeman, William Spencer, would be dealt with if he was summoned before him;  in the mean time he ordered the men to pay the costs amounting to 4s 6d before discharging them.

  The three men left the Court, expressing a determination to summon the Constable for a breach of duty.

  1857 – Child Burns to Death

  Sorry, but every village had these tragic cases, and I always include one just to show how commonplace it was.

  Jane Meredith, an 8 year old girl was left alone in the parish of Mordiford whilst her parents went out to work.

  During the morning, an apple picker in an adjacent orchard heard terrible screams, and rushed to the Meredith’s house;  she found Jane at the door completely enveloped in flames caused by a spark from the fire landing on her pinafore.

  The woman did what she could before arranging for Jane to be rushed to the Infirmary, but the burns were so terrible that she died the next day.

  1899 – Mysterious Death in Mordiford

  Andrew Colwell, a 52 year old colt breaker was found drowned in a pond.

  At the inquest it was heard that he had been in good health, and seemed to have no problems or money worries, and nor was he depressed.  He was also a large, fit man and was frightened of neither man nor beast.

  Early on the evening of 12th April, Andrew was seen in the yard of the Horse and Groom in Hereford with a horse;  it was subsequently arranged for Andrew to deliver the horse to a Mr. Mace who had bought it, and he and one of Mr. Mace’s employees, a James Jones, set off together with Jones in a trap and Andrew leading the horse.

  On the way, Andrew stopped at the Carrots and then again at The Moon where he went to get some change – he and Mr. Jones arrived at their destination later in the evenibg and Andrew put the horse in the stable before having some tea.

  At around ten o’clock some of Mr. Jones’ employees came into the house  and they and Andrew each had a pint of beer and some bread and cheese before Andrew and two of the men left – Andrew was sober but the other men, including a James Jones were not and Jones was known for being somewhat mouthy and aggressive.  Locals immediately suspected him of murder.

  However, despite these grave suspicions, no hard evidence could be found that murder had indeed taken place, and the Jury eventually returned an open verdict of “found drowned”.

   

   

   

  Read More >

Buildings of Mordiford

• Sufton Court History

  The Sufton estate in Mordiford was owned by the Hereford family since the 12th century, and this neat manor house was built during the 18th century by James Wyatt for James Hereford, who was renowned for his kindness and charity to both tenantry and the poor.
  The Hereford family were not always at Sufton Court themselves, it was rented out on many occasions as can be seen by the information below and the census records, but from time to time they returned to take up residence.
  In 1825 for example, an advert appeared advertised the Manor for let, furnished, for a term of not less than three years, and not exceeding ten.

  Description of Sufton Court (1)

  It was described thus:
  “A delightful residence with large walled gardens and pleasure grounds, surrounded by fifty acres of excellent meadow. The mansion is situated five miles from the city of Hereford, on one of the most beautiful and picturesque eminences in the County.
  It consists of spacious breakfast, dining and drawing rooms on the ground floor, with attached and detached offices; coach houses and commodious stabling. It is fit for the immediate reception of a large family and will be let with or without the manor. Hounds are kept in the neighbourhood.”

  Richard Hereford

  By 1828 we can see that Richard Hereford had taken up residence at Sufton Court, and it was while living here that he married Harriet Arabella Mends, daughter of Captain Sir Robert Mends of the Royal Navy. He later became Sheriff.

  Description of Sufton Court (2)

  Two years later, in 1830, Sufton Court was again put up for let – this time the description was a little more detailed:
  “An excellent mansion house called Sufton Court, with capital offices, stables, walled garden, fifty seven acres of meadow and pleasure ground, and the manors of Sufton and Larport, well stocked with game.

   
  The house is situated in one of the prettiest spots in Herefordshire, commanding extensive views and consists of dining, drawing and book rooms; an entrance hall and small study on the ground floor; four large bedrooms with dressing rooms on the first floor; a number of good sized bedrooms on the second floor with attics above. The offices which are detached from the house are particularly good, and the whole supplied with every requisite convenience.
  The book room contains an excellent library, which will if required be left for the use of the tenant.”
  By 1834 the Herefords were back in Sufton Court, where Mary, widow of the late James Hereford and daughter of John Scudamore, died aged 76, and Richard Hereford’s wife gave birth to a son.
  1838 and we see John Hopkins in residence. He was Chairman of the Board of Guardians of the Hereford Poor Law Union and was very well respected. By the following year he had upped sticks and left Herefordshire.

   
  The seesaw in occupation continued, with Mr. Lingwood, then Mr. Watkins at Sufton Court , then in 1843 Richard Hereford was back with his family, although sadly his two year old daughter died there of scarlet fever. Some years later, in 1852 whilst at Tenby, they were to lose another daughter, Lucy Arabella aged 6.

  Egerton Hubbard at Sufton Court

  By 1846, we see Egerton Hubbard at Sufton Court, and the following is a news snippet from during his time there:
  A Coachman of Egerton Hubbard was leaving St. Owens Street in Hereford, when the horses spooked and bolted, with the lady’s maid on board. The horses hurtled on, overaking many heavily laden wagons on their way until they arrived at Mordiford. Unfortunately, in turning the sharp corner they caused the carriage to hit the posts in front of Mr. Morgan, the surgeon’s house, and it was turned over onto its side. The lady’s maid was thrown out of her seat with great violence, but it was lucky that Mr. Morgan was at home and he took her into his house. He was amazed to find that she was merely badly bruised. The carriage however was ruined!

  Thomas Evans at Sufton Court

  After Egerton Hubbard, Thomas Evans took up residence at Sufton Court and he was to stay there for many years, putting on record that he would be happy to stay for as long as he was allowed to do so by his “most capital landlord”.
  In 1852 he married a Miss Webb, and there were great celebrations in Mordiford; the following year he returned to Sufton Court amid even more celebrations all the way from Hereford. Indeed, the welcome back must have taken the couple’s breath away, whilst the pealing of the bells in every surrounding village plus bands from Hereford must have near deafened them! Such was the importance given to their return,the “father” of the Herefordshire hunt left his hounds in full cry in order to join in with the regards for his new neighbour.
  Huge numbers of well wishers were fed at Sufton Court that night and everyone wished the couple many years of good fortune and happiness.
  Sadly, within a few short months there was tragedy when on 6th October 1853 the couple had a still born son, but they went on to have more children successfully.

  1862, the Bandy Game and how it affected Thomas Evans

  A game known as bandy, which involved a ball being hit with sticks, was causing a great nuisance in the streets, and in 1862 a “fine horse” belonging to Thomas Evans of Sufton Court was being driven by his servant through St. Owen’s Gate when it was hit by “the caul of some urchins who were playing bandy in the road”. The terrified animal bolted, and the vehicle overturned whereupon it was dashed to pieces. A female servant in the vehicle was thrown out and badly injured.
  Two boys by the names of George Fuller and Samuel McMullen were apprehended – residents of the street where they played had frequently complained, and the accident with the horse was the final straw. Magistrates were determined to stamp the game out, saying that it was very dangerous, and although they dismissed this case, they warned that other offenders would be severely dealt with.

  1863 – Failed Murder attempt on Thomas Evans and his family

  In 1863, the family of Thomas Evans were lucky to escape with their lives, when one of their servants, a 17 year old boy by the name of William Perkins, tried to poison them all by putting corrosive sublimate in their milk. Thankfully it caused the milk to curdle at the bottom, and a nursemaid spotted it before anyone drank any of it.

   

  1841 – Sufton Court Household

  John Watkins	20	b. Herefordshire
  Mary Leaves	58	b. Herefordshire
  Susan Norfolk	27	b. Herefordshire
  Sarah Watkins	55	b. Herefordshire
  Ann Badham	23	b. Herefordshire

  1851 – Sufton Court Household

  William Banks	28	Fund Holder and Gentleman	b. Swansea, Wales
  Margaret R. Banks	27	Wife	b. Clanelly, Wales
  Julia S. Roffey	19	Cousin	b. London, Middlesex
  Margaret M.A. Banks	5	Daughter	b. Orkney?
  Constance I. Banks	3	Daughter	b. Orkney?
  William E. Banks	1	Son	b. Orkney?
  Elizabeth B. Burgiss	30	Governess
  Nancy E.A. May	54	Vistitor
  Mary A.F. May	5	Visitor	b. Middlesex
  Edith E. May	3	Visitor	b. Middlesex
  Augustus B.B. May	10	Visitor	b. Bayswater, Middlesex
  Ann Perrin	26	Visiting Nurse
  Ann Williams	56	Nurse	b. Carmarthen, Wales
  Frances Southwell	40	Cook	b. Kent
  Martha Piddock	38	Housemaid	b. Kent
  Jane Williams	23	Dairymaid	b. Wales
  Elizabeth Graves	16	Under Nurse	b. Kent
  Ester Goulder	16	Under Housemaid	b. Sutton, Kent
  James Atkin	23	Footman	b. Adisham, Kent
  George Newing	23	Groom	b. Kent
  William Mitchell	14	Errand Boy	b. Crawley, Sussex
  Ann Wearn	62	Charwoman	b. Staunton on Wye, Herefordshire

   

  1861 – Sufton Court Household

  Thomas Evans	57	Magistrate	b. St. Johns, Hereford
  Harriet Evans	37	Wife	b. Underdown, Ledbury, Herefordshire
  Harriet A. Evans	4	Daughter	b. Sufton, Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Mabel S. Evans	2	Daughter	b. Sufton, Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Catherine Beatrice Evans	1	Daughter	b. Sufton, Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Margret Privett	48	Housekeeper	b. Worksop, Nottinghamshire
  Mary Anne Bevis	34	Head Nurse	b. Berkshire
  Ellen Bridgwater	28	Head Housemaid	b. Adforton, Herefordshire
  Amelia James	22	Kitchen Maid	b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Mary Perry	17	Under Nurse	b. Frenchay, Bristol
  Eliza Williams	19	Under Housemaid	b. Monmouth
  Charles T. Davin	26	Butler	b. Wormsley, Herefordshire
  John Bullock	40	Coachman	b. Breinton, Herefordshire
  William Cooper	21	Footman	b. Winforton, Herefordshire

   

  1871 – Sufton Court Household

  Richard Hereford	67	Landowner and Magistrate	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Charles Hereford	35	Son, Captain 19th Regiment	b. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
  Edward William Hereford	33	Son, Commander Royal Navy	b. Tenby, Pembrokeshire
  Catherine Anne Hereford	32	Daughter	b. Gloucester
  Alice Sarah Hereford	31	Daughter
  Anne Tuder	74	Sister	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  James Tuder Hereford	1	Grandson	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Anne Hereford	9 mths	Grand Daughter	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Mary Eliza Hereford	9 mths	Grand Daughter	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Henry Howes	30	Butler	b. Westminster
  Edwin Boscott	17	Footman	b. Bishops Frome, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Annie Lewis	28	Cook	b. Stoke Edith, Herefordshire
  Ann Walker		Lady’s Maid	b. Bodenham, Herefordshire
  Eliza Jones	35	Housemaid	b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth (no name given)	23	Housemaid	b. Lugwardine, Herefordshire
  Emma Etherige	19	Kitchenmaid	b. Lugwardine, Herefordshire
  Mary McCarraker	45	Nurse	b. Tipperary, Ireland
  Charlotte Anna Morris	17	Under Nurse	b. London
  Elizabeth Catherine Hughes	16	Under Nurse	b. Walsall, Staffordshire

  1881 – Sufton Court Household

  William Sexty	47	Farmer	b. Putley, Herefordshire
  Emma S. Sexty	45	Wife	b. Warwick, Birmingham
  Elizabeth B.Wright	66	Mother in Law, annuitant	b. London, Middlesex
  Ann Taylor	19	Cook	b. Bredwardine, Herefordshire
  Fanny Pugh	18	Housemaid	b. Brampton Abbots, Herefordshire
  William Tombs	33	Waggoner	b. Brampton Abbots, Herefordshire
  Chas. Taylor	17	Groom	b. Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire

   

  1891 – Sufton Court Household

  Benjamin Price	55	Gardener	b. Garway, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Price	56	In Charge, Housekeeper	b. Hereford
  Emily Price	18	Daughter, Housekeeper’s Assistant	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire

  1901 – Sufton Court Household

  Eliza Annie Guy	50	Widow, Cook	b. Radnor, Radnorshire
  Lily Jane Lewis	24	Parlour Maid	b. Cheshire
  Elsie Harris	32	Dairymaid	b. Devon
  Mary Taylor	19	Housemaid	b. Kingsland, Herefordshire
  Herbert Harvey	24	Groom	b. Essex

  1911 – Sufton Court Household

  James Thomas Hereford	41	Private Means	b. Sufton Court, Herefordshire
  Eleanor Hereford	41	Wife	b. Kings Caple, Herefordshire
  Robert James Hereford	8 mths	Son	b. Sufton Court, Herefordshire
  Marian Alice Griffiths	29	Hospital Nurse	b. Bradford, Yorkshire
  Clara Annie Smith	41	Childrens Nurse	b. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
  Agnes Harrop	46	Cook	b. Bromyard, Herefordshire
  Fanny Louisa Bicketh	34	Parlour Maid	b. Eardisland, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Sarah Smith	27	Housemaid	b. Mordiford, Herefordshire
  Caroline Birt	18	Parlour Maid	b. Huntley, Gloucestershire
  Frances Sophia Elizabeth Bartlett	18	Kitchenmaid	b. Bosbury, Herefordshire
  Ernest Albert Farmer	18	Houseboy	b. Herefordshire

  Read More >

1811 – Severe Storm and Floods Devastate Mordiford

During the afternoon in late May 1811 a tremendous thunderstorm arrived in the County, and there were severe repercussions in Mordiford.

Flood water collected from the adjoining hills of Backbury and Fownhope and formed a torrent which swept down and destroyed a corn mill, a cottage and a barn.  Much of the mill was swept away, but the saddest thing was that the miller, his maid servant, a female cottager and her daughter were taken away by the flood, and their bodies were not found for some considerable time.

Many pigs were also lost and trees were uprooted and borne along the river.

The damage that was done was scarcely believed, given that the storm lasted such a short time.

1832 – Drowning of Young Boy

Thomas Russell, a three year old child was last seen by his father,  playing near the Mill by the River Lugg.

A little later, the father became worried when he saw his son’s hat at the bottom of the steps leading to the river, and started to frantically search.

It was not until four days later that Thomas’s body was found caught up in bushes near to Mordiford Bridge.

1835 – Tragedy at Mordiford

Mrs. Carpenter, the widow of the miller who died as described in the flood report above, was overseeing the delivery of a load of wheat to the mill.

The bag which the men were hoisting to the upper floor somehow slipped from its chain and dropped straight onto Mrs. Carpenter.  Despite immediate medical attention, the poor woman died within an hour.

It was said of her that “few women have passed through the ordeal of this life with more credit to themselves than she did;  upright, honest, and just in all her dealings, she obtained the respect of all who knew her.”

1847 – The Sad Case of a “Lunatic

James Whetstone of Mordiford, alias “Tim Bobbin” was described as a “poor unfortunate creature”.

He had lost the use of both of his arms, and also “the gift of his proper senses”, and was charged by P.C. Jas. Wainscott with having hugely annoyed Mr. Llewellyn the overseer.

James was told not to come into the city again, and the police were told to escort him as far as Eign;  however, they didn’t get very far before James lay on his back in the road shouting “Murder” at the top of his voice, and resisting all attempts to move him as well as he could without arms.

It was decided that his appearance and violence of manner and language showed that he was not fit to be at large in the streets of Hereford.

I am not sure what happened to the poor man, but suspect that he would have been locked up either in gaol or the workhouse.

1852 – Assault by Husband at Mordiford

William Griffiths, a Sawyer of Mordiford, was summoned by his wife for having assaulted her.

The couple were elderly, and some ill feeling had been growing between them for some time.

The wife displayed great volubility of tongue in court, and she made a long statement littered with seemingly inconsequential matters such as a lost goose, and her finding her husband with his arm around the waist of a woman on a cart returning from Hereford.

However, it seems the lost goose was discovered at the house of the woman to whom her husband had paid such attention to, and a little later a massive row ensued during which William Griffiths knocked his wife down and then kicked her.

William declared that his wife removed her things from their house, and he thought that he was rid of her.  (Clearly no love lost there then!).

In court, William was told that no matter what the provocation, he should not have been violent…..he replied “but if she won’t be quiet, what be I to do?”

The Magistrate said that nothing justified assaulting his wife, whereupon William said that he had no idea whether she was his wife or not.  At this, his wife starting ranting, but was cut short and ordered to remain silent.

Eventually, the Magistrate fined William £1 plus 7s costs, with the remark that the assault was a disgrace.  He said that he thought William should be bound over to keep the peace, but the wife said there was no reason for this as she would never live with him again.  William replied that he was very glad to hear that, and after reluctantly paying the fine whilst bemoaning all his hardships and grievances, he was ordered out of the room.

1853 – Sunday Rioting at Mordiford

John Roberts, William Haines and Thomas Davies were charged by William Spencer, the parish constable of Mordiford, with fighting and riotous conduct in Mordiford on a Sunday.

The men, with others, had been drinking at the Moon public house and started quarrelling.  Thomas Davies went out with John Roberts to fight, and William Haines urged them on, despite people trying to stop them.

The men then crossed over Mordiford Bridge into the parish of Fownhope in order to get away from those who were trying to stop the fighting.  In court,  all of them were loudly denouncing the character of the policeman, saying that he was often in pubs after closing town, and wondering why he was allowed to do so.

The Magistrate took note of their remarks, and said that the policeman, William Spencer, would be dealt with if he was summoned before him;  in the mean time he ordered the men to pay the costs amounting to 4s 6d before discharging them.

The three men left the Court, expressing a determination to summon the Constable for a breach of duty.

1857 – Child Burns to Death

Sorry, but every village had these tragic cases, and I always include one just to show how commonplace it was.

Jane Meredith, an 8 year old girl was left alone in the parish of Mordiford whilst her parents went out to work.

During the morning, an apple picker in an adjacent orchard heard terrible screams, and rushed to the Meredith’s house;  she found Jane at the door completely enveloped in flames caused by a spark from the fire landing on her pinafore.

The woman did what she could before arranging for Jane to be rushed to the Infirmary, but the burns were so terrible that she died the next day.

1899 – Mysterious Death in Mordiford

Andrew Colwell, a 52 year old colt breaker was found drowned in a pond.

At the inquest it was heard that he had been in good health, and seemed to have no problems or money worries, and nor was he depressed.  He was also a large, fit man and was frightened of neither man nor beast.

Early on the evening of 12th April, Andrew was seen in the yard of the Horse and Groom in Hereford with a horse;  it was subsequently arranged for Andrew to deliver the horse to a Mr. Mace who had bought it, and he and one of Mr. Mace’s employees, a James Jones, set off together with Jones in a trap and Andrew leading the horse.

On the way, Andrew stopped at the Carrots and then again at The Moon where he went to get some change – he and Mr. Jones arrived at their destination later in the evenibg and Andrew put the horse in the stable before having some tea.

At around ten o’clock some of Mr. Jones’ employees came into the house  and they and Andrew each had a pint of beer and some bread and cheese before Andrew and two of the men left – Andrew was sober but the other men, including a James Jones were not and Jones was known for being somewhat mouthy and aggressive.  Locals immediately suspected him of murder.

However, despite these grave suspicions, no hard evidence could be found that murder had indeed taken place, and the Jury eventually returned an open verdict of “found drowned”.

Description of Sufton Court (1)

It was described thus:
“A delightful residence with large walled gardens and pleasure grounds, surrounded by fifty acres of excellent meadow. The mansion is situated five miles from the city of Hereford, on one of the most beautiful and picturesque eminences in the County.
It consists of spacious breakfast, dining and drawing rooms on the ground floor, with attached and detached offices; coach houses and commodious stabling. It is fit for the immediate reception of a large family and will be let with or without the manor. Hounds are kept in the neighbourhood.”

Richard Hereford

By 1828 we can see that Richard Hereford had taken up residence at Sufton Court, and it was while living here that he married Harriet Arabella Mends, daughter of Captain Sir Robert Mends of the Royal Navy. He later became Sheriff.

Description of Sufton Court (2)

Two years later, in 1830, Sufton Court was again put up for let – this time the description was a little more detailed:
“An excellent mansion house called Sufton Court, with capital offices, stables, walled garden, fifty seven acres of meadow and pleasure ground, and the manors of Sufton and Larport, well stocked with game.

 
The house is situated in one of the prettiest spots in Herefordshire, commanding extensive views and consists of dining, drawing and book rooms; an entrance hall and small study on the ground floor; four large bedrooms with dressing rooms on the first floor; a number of good sized bedrooms on the second floor with attics above. The offices which are detached from the house are particularly good, and the whole supplied with every requisite convenience.
The book room contains an excellent library, which will if required be left for the use of the tenant.”
By 1834 the Herefords were back in Sufton Court, where Mary, widow of the late James Hereford and daughter of John Scudamore, died aged 76, and Richard Hereford’s wife gave birth to a son.
1838 and we see John Hopkins in residence. He was Chairman of the Board of Guardians of the Hereford Poor Law Union and was very well respected. By the following year he had upped sticks and left Herefordshire.

 
The seesaw in occupation continued, with Mr. Lingwood, then Mr. Watkins at Sufton Court , then in 1843 Richard Hereford was back with his family, although sadly his two year old daughter died there of scarlet fever. Some years later, in 1852 whilst at Tenby, they were to lose another daughter, Lucy Arabella aged 6.

Egerton Hubbard at Sufton Court

By 1846, we see Egerton Hubbard at Sufton Court, and the following is a news snippet from during his time there:
A Coachman of Egerton Hubbard was leaving St. Owens Street in Hereford, when the horses spooked and bolted, with the lady’s maid on board. The horses hurtled on, overaking many heavily laden wagons on their way until they arrived at Mordiford. Unfortunately, in turning the sharp corner they caused the carriage to hit the posts in front of Mr. Morgan, the surgeon’s house, and it was turned over onto its side. The lady’s maid was thrown out of her seat with great violence, but it was lucky that Mr. Morgan was at home and he took her into his house. He was amazed to find that she was merely badly bruised. The carriage however was ruined!

Thomas Evans at Sufton Court

After Egerton Hubbard, Thomas Evans took up residence at Sufton Court and he was to stay there for many years, putting on record that he would be happy to stay for as long as he was allowed to do so by his “most capital landlord”.
In 1852 he married a Miss Webb, and there were great celebrations in Mordiford; the following year he returned to Sufton Court amid even more celebrations all the way from Hereford. Indeed, the welcome back must have taken the couple’s breath away, whilst the pealing of the bells in every surrounding village plus bands from Hereford must have near deafened them! Such was the importance given to their return,the “father” of the Herefordshire hunt left his hounds in full cry in order to join in with the regards for his new neighbour.
Huge numbers of well wishers were fed at Sufton Court that night and everyone wished the couple many years of good fortune and happiness.
Sadly, within a few short months there was tragedy when on 6th October 1853 the couple had a still born son, but they went on to have more children successfully.

1862, the Bandy Game and how it affected Thomas Evans

A game known as bandy, which involved a ball being hit with sticks, was causing a great nuisance in the streets, and in 1862 a “fine horse” belonging to Thomas Evans of Sufton Court was being driven by his servant through St. Owen’s Gate when it was hit by “the caul of some urchins who were playing bandy in the road”. The terrified animal bolted, and the vehicle overturned whereupon it was dashed to pieces. A female servant in the vehicle was thrown out and badly injured.
Two boys by the names of George Fuller and Samuel McMullen were apprehended – residents of the street where they played had frequently complained, and the accident with the horse was the final straw. Magistrates were determined to stamp the game out, saying that it was very dangerous, and although they dismissed this case, they warned that other offenders would be severely dealt with.

1863 – Failed Murder attempt on Thomas Evans and his family

In 1863, the family of Thomas Evans were lucky to escape with their lives, when one of their servants, a 17 year old boy by the name of William Perkins, tried to poison them all by putting corrosive sublimate in their milk. Thankfully it caused the milk to curdle at the bottom, and a nursemaid spotted it before anyone drank any of it.

1841 – Sufton Court Household

1851 – Sufton Court Household

1861 – Sufton Court Household

1871 – Sufton Court Household

1881 – Sufton Court Household

1891 – Sufton Court Household

1901 – Sufton Court Household

1911 – Sufton Court Household

Tom Spring’s Early Years

Tom Spring was 5 feet 11 inches and a half, and his fighting weight was 13 stone 2 lbs.

At the age of 17 he entered the ring at Mordiford to fight a man by the name of Hollands.  It was described as a most desperate battle, and after one hour and twenty minutes Hollands had to give up the contents – Tom Spring was declared the victor.

Two years later, he took on a man called Henley who had challenged him for £3 a side.  This fight also took place at Mordiford, and lasted for eleven punishing rounds with Spring emerging the victor.

There was little chance to prove his skills initially, but one day the 11th Duke of Norfolk who lived at the nearby Holme Lacy House, heard about Tom and his prowess and decided to invite him to fight at one of his lavish lunch parties as entertainment for the assembled guests.

Tom Spring and Tom Cribb

Tom took on every opponent in front of the Duke and his guests, and was reportedly never beaten; at the same time he was gaining valuable experience and improved his technique even further. Then in 1814 the All England Bare Knuckle Champion, Tom Cribb, arrived in Herefordshire on a sparring tour and Tom Spring managed to effect a meeting……the two formed a strong friendship and Tom Cribb happily passed on a great many hints and tips to further improve his fighting techniques. When Cribb retired from the ring, Tom Spring quickly earned the title of Champion and became known as “Light Tapper” Spring due to his delicate hands. He held the title between 1823 and 1824, with few challengers.

Tom Spring and John Langan

The most famous of his fights were with John Langan, an Irishman who was much heavier than Spring and also slower in the ring. Some 30,000 spectators turned up for their first match at Worcester Racecourse in 1824, but unfortunately the grandstand was not up to the task and many people were injured when it collapsed. The fight itself went on for a crippling seventy seven rounds, and finally even the bloodthirsty crowd were sickened and bayed for it to be ended. Spring’s hands were badly injured, and Langan was a complete mess! A few months later they met again in Chichester , although Spring’s left hand was still virtually useless he gave Langan another pasting – it was a testament to his kind character that instead of flattening Langan when he was done for, he merely pushed him to the ground.

Tom Spring and the Fair Play Club

Bare knuckle fighting was an extremely popular spectator sport, especially for the higher echelons of society…indeed, King George IV was so enamoured of the sport that at his Coronation he invited 18 prize fighters to act as ushers, and Tom Spring was one of them. He was highly thought of because not only was he an excellent fighter, but he was also a thoroughly nice chap.

Bare Knuckle fighters began to earn themselves a bad reputation with unruly behaviour by fighters and punters alike. All people connected with the sport thought so highly of the retired Tom Spring that On 25 September 1828, he was elected as the first treasurer of the newly formed “Fair Play Club”. A set of rules was established to include the supervision of fights “to preserve peace and order in the outer ring” and “to ensure fair play to the combatants”. Spring was able to employ boxers to uphold the rules and to ensure there were no ring invasions.

A sad end for Tom Spring

When he retired at the pinnacle of his success, he moved with his wife and children to London and then deserted them when he took over the tenancy of the Castle Tavern, Holborn. His wife died in a workhouse, and it is reported that soon afterwards in 1851 Spring succombed to the excesses of drink and died himself.

However, he was very highly thought of, and his behaviour was always exemplorary, and despite the fact that the Castle Tavern was known as a “fighting house” Tom strongly discouraged any throwing of fists, saying that “blows are ugly and sometimes expensive;  therefore talk about fighting as much as you please but not a blow shall pass while I can prevent it”.

He would send those intent on fighting a few miles out of town, and the Castle Tavern rapidly gained a very good reputation.

After his death in August 1851, his name was soon more or less forgotten until in 1951 the Tom Spring Memorial Committee was formed by a Herefordshire Police Sergeant – A.V. Lucas and a memorial was funded for West Norwood in London where Tom was buried. There is now also a memorial at Tom’s birthplace near Woolhope.

By Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9171982

This is a representation of what the memorial looked like, but the original one is sadly worn beyond repair.

Three Cups Presented to Tom Spring

The Hereford Cup

– an urn shaped piece of plate inscribed “To Thomas Winter Spring of Fownhope, in the county of Hereford, this cup was presented by his countrymen of the land of cider, in token of their esteem for the manliness and science which, in may severe contests, raised him to the distinction of champion of England.  1823″

The Manchester Cup

Presented at Manchester in April 1824 and similarly inscribed as above, with the addendum that an additional reason is the esteem in which they held his private character.

The Tankard

In 1845, leading men in the sporting world wanted to present a testimonial to Spring and £500 was raised to buy a tankard of vast dimensions and weight, together with a purse which was given to him after a dinner at his house.

The shield on the tankard was inscribed “Presented by public subscription to Thomas Winter Spring, ex Champion of England, in testimony of the sincere respect in which he is held for his pure and honourable conduct, during his long and unblemished career in public and private life.”