Parish History

Aylton History

There has been a settlement here since at least Saxon times. The name Aylton is derived from name of the Anglo Saxon female leader of the settlement, Aethelgifu, and is therefore a rare survivor of its gender from that time. From the Domesday book we learn that the parish was held by Turstin Fitzrolf, and before the Norman Conquest was held by Turstig from Earl Harold.

The patronage of Aylton Parish church runs alongside the ownership of Court Farm. First records show Robert Bray as owner in 1276, and then in the 16th century it belonged to the Walwyn family who lived at Hellens, Much Marcle (just down the road). The Harley family from Brampton Bryan, Knighton, took over in 1619 until 1900 when the Dean and Chapter of Hereford Cathedral became patrons of the living, and so it remains to this day.

This church is delightfully simple with it’s origins in the early 12th century.  There are two bells, the larger of which is circa 1639, and the smaller is possibly 12th century which makes it one of only two of this date in Herefordshire.

Aylton church originally accommodated between 40 and 50 people, and was used as a “chapel of ease” to two other adjoining parishes.  It became clear that it was not big enough inside, so in around 1870 two of the old pews were removed from the chancel, and they were replaced by open sittings.  This reduced the considerable size of the pulpit and reading desk.

Pixley History

Pixley is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire. England. The population of the civil parish at the 2011 census was 258.  The village consists of residential communities at Poolend and along the Putley road. There is a church, St Andrew’s, The Trumpet Pub, a thriving garage, tea rooms, a golf course complex and a farming community.  The surrounding lanes and land are peaceful and not heavily travelled by heavy goods vehicles, there are no industrial estates.  No Pixley family member currently lives in Pixley or Herefordshire. William Pixley left during the Catholic Emancipation.

Munsley History

The tiny village of Munsley can be found up a very narrow lane some 4 miles from Ledbury. Local legend has it that Shakespeare’s Prince of Denmark is buried here.

Little Marcle History

MARCLE, LITTLE, a parish, in the union of Ledbury, hundred of Radlow, county of Hereford, 3 miles (W. S. W.) from Ledbury.

Little Marcle is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire, neighbouring Ledbury.

Little Marcle St Michael and All Angels is an Ancient Parish in Herefordshire and part of the parish boundary forms part of the county boundary with Preston, Gloucestershire.

The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels was consecrated in 1869 and replaced it’s predecessor about 50 yards away as a result of the patronage of  Rev John Jones who died in 1859 and former rector of the old church.