In Ledbury recently, for a family funeral. So interesting to visit another part of the country after lockdown, even if the occasion was a sad one.
Ledbury has an unusual church with a detached bell-tower. We are in the Welsh Marches here; the tower would have been a defensive structure.
Black and white half-timbering everywhere, and that indubitable sign of prosperity: no empty shops in the town centre.
Not so Hereford, where tattoo parlours and vape shops have taken hold. However, the cathedral lived up to expectations. It holds the Mappa Mundi, a mediaeval world map drawn on vellum with Jerusalem at its centre. Even more amazing was the Chained Library with every book spine inwards on the shelf with a chain holding it.
Outside we looked up and my husband spotted a new bird for our list: a peregrine falcon.
Just across the road: the Museum, with these fine Roman mosaic fragments. The facade of this building is encrusted with ornate animal carvings. Once, Hereford had some civic pride.
And, in a glass case, this little knitted needle case in very fine wool.
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