Herefordshire

Herefordshire
Mike Finn · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Herefordshire
Area	2,180 km²
Population	192,107

Herefordshire is a county located in the West Midlands region of England, bordering Wales to the west, Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east, and Gloucestershire to the south. The county is home to the River Wye, which forms part of the border with Wales, and the Malvern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The city of Hereford is the county town and is known for its Hereford Cathedral, which houses the Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world. The county is also associated with famous individuals such as Elgar, who was born in Broadheath, Worcestershire, near the Malvern Hills, and John Masefield, who was born in Ledbury.

Geography

The geography of the county is characterized by its rural landscape, with the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains forming part of the border with Wales. The River Wye flows through the county and forms part of the border with Wales, passing through towns such as Ross-on-Wye and Hereford. The county is also home to the Forest of Dean, a large area of woodland that stretches into Gloucestershire. The Shropshire Hills are located to the north of the county, and the Cotswolds are located to the south. The county is also close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Famous geologists such as Charles Lyell and William Smith have studied the geology of the county, which is known for its Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

History

The history of the county dates back to the Roman Empire, when the Roman city of Magnis was located in the area now known as Kenchester. The county was later invaded by the Anglo-Saxons and became part of the Kingdom of Mercia. The county was also influenced by the Norman Conquest, which introduced Feudalism to the area. The county was home to many castles, including Goodrich Castle and Eastnor Castle, which were built by Norman lords such as William FitzOsbern and Roger de Pitres. The county was also associated with famous historical events such as the Battle of Mortimer's Cross and the English Civil War. Historians such as David Hume and Thomas Babington Macaulay have written about the history of the county, which is also home to many historical figures such as Owen Glendower and John Oldcastle.

Economy

The economy of the county is primarily based on agriculture, with many farms producing Cattle, Sheep, and Apples. The county is also known for its Cider production, with many Cider mills located throughout the county. The county is home to many businesses, including Westons Cider and Bulmers, which are based in Ledbury and Hereford respectively. The county is also close to the M50 motorway and the A49 road, which provide links to Birmingham and Cardiff. The county has a strong tourism industry, with many visitors attracted to the county's Malvern Hills and Wye Valley. Famous economists such as Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes have written about the economy of the county, which is also home to many entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson and James Dyson.

Demographics

The demographics of the county are characterized by a population of around 192,000 people, with the majority living in the city of Hereford and the surrounding areas. The county has a diverse population, with many people commuting to Birmingham and Cardiff for work. The county is home to many schools, including Hereford Cathedral School and The Royal National College for the Blind, which is located in Hereford. The county is also home to many universities, including Harper Adams University and University of Worcester, which have campuses in the county. Famous demographers such as Thomas Malthus and Karl Marx have written about the demographics of the county, which is also home to many sociologists such as Émile Durkheim and Max Weber.

Places of Interest

The county is home to many places of interest, including the Malvern Hills, which are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The county is also home to the Wye Valley, which is a popular destination for tourists. The county is home to many castles, including Goodrich Castle and Eastnor Castle, which are open to the public. The county is also home to many museums, including the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery and the Museum of the Royal National College for the Blind. The county is close to the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Forest of Dean, which are popular destinations for Hiking and Cycling. Famous travel writers such as Bill Bryson and Michael Palin have written about the county, which is also home to many travelers such as Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton.

Government and Politics

The government and politics of the county are characterized by a non-metropolitan county council, which is responsible for providing services such as Waste management and transport. The county is represented in parliament by two members of parliament, who represent the Hereford and South Herefordshire and North Herefordshire constituencies. The county is also home to many local government districts, including Herefordshire Council and Malvern Hills District Council. Famous politicians such as Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee have represented the county in parliament, which is also home to many politicians such as Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. The county is close to the Welsh Marches and the English Midlands, which have a long history of political and economic ties. Category:Counties of England