Bromyard

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Bromyard

Coordinates: 52.1908° N 2.5068° W
Population	4,000
OS grid reference	SO654548
Unitary authority	Herefordshire
Ceremonial county	Herefordshire
Region	West Midlands
Constituent country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	BROMYARD
Postcode district	HR7
Dial code	01885
Police	West Mercia
Fire	Hereford and Worcester
Ambulance	West Midlands
UK Parliament	Leominster
European Parliament	West Midlands
List of places: UK • England • Herefordshire

Bromyard is a former market town in north-east Herefordshire, England, near the border with Worcestershire, with a population of about 4,000. It is on the A44 between Leominster and Worcester (coordinates 52°11′24″N, 2°30′26″W). The town centre is bypassed by the main road, and has many old and interesting buildings, especially in the High Street and Market Square, including a number of half-timbered pubs. The local toyshop doubles as a museum of dolls and, especially, teddy bears. Bromyard was also the location of the now infamous gollywog saga in 2006, wherein a number of the dolls displayed in an ironmonger's shop were confiscated by the police, who deemed them 'racially offensive'. This incident provoked a media outcry, and a heated debate about political correctness in Britain, and the sensibilities of ethnic minorities.

The St. Peter's church is a large mellow building with parts dating back to Norman times, especially an effigy of St. Peter with two keys over the main doorway.

The town is locally known for the Bromyard Folk Festival, well-known amongst folkies of the nation, a three-day event that takes place in September. It particularly concentrates on English traditional music.

The Bromyard Gala, a large country show and steam rally, is held on the first weekend of July.

An annual international rally of town criers takes place in the town.

Another event which lures the tourists to Bromyard is the excellent Christmas lights which light up the town during the festive period. Started in 1962, it is run entirely by an enthusiastic band of volunteers.

Bromyard was once a centre for hop growing and soft fruit. The erstwhile railway, which ran from Worcester to Leominster, was a common destination for hop-pickers' specials from the Black Country.