The central area around the cathedral was the bishop’s fee (or property) and the rest (within the city walls) was the king’s fee. Hereford’s ancient cathedral is dedicated to the city’s patron saint Ethelbert, the Saxon king murdered at the behest of King Offa on the outskirts of Hereford in AD794. During Offa’s reign, the city expanded. The extended area became known as the King’s Fee, the eastern part including the ancient priory of Saint Guthlac.

A print of Butchers’ Row

A print of the Town Hall

A print of David Garrick as Richard III

A print of Nell Gwynne and her sons

A print and text about theatrical connections

The text reads: A plaque in Gwynne Street, by the cathedral, claims to mark the birthplace of actress Eleanor Gwyn. Better known as Nell Gwynne, she was the mistress of King Charles II. Their grandson, James Beauclerk, became Bishop of Hereford in 1746.

A plaque on the wall of the Angel Inn, in Widemarsh Street, records the birth there in 1717 of the renowned actor and stage manager David Garrick. He is best remembered for his 30 years in charge at Drury Lane, where he set the tone of English theatrical taste.

Garrick encouraged the career of Mrs Sarah Siddons, whose family home was in Church Street, Hereford. Born Sarah Kemble, she became famous as a tragic actress, dominating the London stage for nearly 30 years. Sarah’s father, Roger Kemble, was a travelling theatre-manager, whose sons, Charles, Stephen and John, also had careers on the stage.

External photograph of the building – main entrance