About Hereford in Herefordshire

Hereford is a historic town in Herefordshire, England. It lies on the River Wye, approximately 16 miles (26 km) east of the border with Wales, 24 miles (39 km) southwest of Worcester, and 23 miles (37 km) northwest of Gloucester. With a population of 58,896, it is the largest settlement in Herefordshire.

The town was founded by the Saxons in the late 7th century as a frontier town between Mercia and Wales, and was given the name of Hereford in 895 by King Alfred the Great. Hereford became a prosperous market town and a stop on the old Hereford-Worcester-Gloucester coaching route. In the 19th century, it was also a major centre for the manufacture of gloves. The town was designated a new town in 1968, and has since grown rapidly.

Hereford has a number of historic buildings, including a 12th-century castle, several medieval churches, and a number of half-timbered black and white buildings in its centre. It also has a racecourse just outside the town centre.