ASHFORD BOWDLER -- archive
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Welcome to our small village of 50 people.
The village
Ashford
Bowdler is situated just over 3 miles to the South of Ludlow. It is reached via
a short cul-de-sac that is to the west of the busy A49 Shrewsbury to Hereford
road. Once away from the main road, the village is a haven of peace -
interrupted occasionally by the trains that run on the Shrewsbury to Hereford
railway line. The village is surrounded by fields and ends at the parish church
of St. Andrews close to the river Teme.
St Andrew's Church
It
is believed that St Andrew's Church was founded in 1211
on ground held by the Benedictine Priory of Bromfield.
It
lies on a sweeping bend of the river Teme that has
the reputation of being one of the fastest flowing rivers in the country during
flood conditions. While, originally, the church may not have been so close to
the river, today, the foundations of the east wall are, in effect, part of the
river bank.
The
church is constructed of local sandstone and, as will be seen, consists simply
of a nave and chancel. Later additions include the south porch, the oak
shingled spire and box pews. Packed in like sardines, 80 people can just be
seated. Of particular interest are the blocked up Norman doorways opposite each
other in the north and south nave walls. It is said that the main road used to
pass through the village and that the doorways were used by pilgrims and
travellers passing through and seeking a blessing from the priest on their way.
Find
out about the collapse.......
(If you're needing a B&B in the area then try: www.orchard-barn.co.uk)