Leigh church

Nestled at the end of the Malvern Hills is some of the county's prettiest countryside. Contrasting with the Severn Vale and the steep, sometimes rocky slopes of the hills, this little piece of countryside is criss-crossed with tiny lanes, gently rolling hills and pretty farms and cottages.

Although it is only a stone's throw from Malvern Link and enjoys an ideal situation for commuters between the A44 and A4103, this lovely countryside, encompassing Leigh, Bransford, Leigh Sinton, Alfrick, Alfrick Pound and several other small hamlets, seems miles away from the hustle and bustle of town life.

Stop to enjoy this area and you get the feeling that these villages have their own distinct community. Leigh and Bransford Primary and the village hall in Leigh Sinton are both busy places and a peek at the village website gives a good insight into just how much there is to enjoy around here, whether you live there or, like myself, stopped to walk some of the many footpaths and enjoy the countryside.

For a relatively small area, it is well catered for in terms of leisure activities. The villages have thriving sports clubs, and there is a fishing lake and an equestrian centre, along with a Western riding centre.

The River Teme is nearby and Leigh Brook is obviously important to the area's history. There appears to have been several moated houses and farms around Leigh and Bransford in times gone by.

It is interesting to find out more about this area, which is usually somewhere most people pass through on their way to Worcester or Hereford. Delving into historical records reveals Leigh and Bransford has played an important part in the area's history throughout the centuries.

For a long time it was part of the lands owned by Pershore Abbey and it appears the abbots occasionally stayed in their manor there. Bransford was the birthplace of Wulstan de Bransford, bishop of Ü Worcester during the 14th century. He built a bridge across the Teme at Bransford in 1338 which stood for more than 300 years before being broken down by the Scots army, according to British History On-line.

The same source (written in 1921) reveals the importance of the Teme. There was a corn mill at Bransford Bridge and in previous years there had also been a snuff mill and a cloth factory along the river banks. However, in 1921 people were mainly employed in agriculture.

Bransford church

At a later date it was also home to Sir Walter Devereux, MP for Worcester in 1625 and county sheriff. The Church of St Eadburga houses monuments to both Sir Walter and his son, Essex Devereux, drowned when his boat overturned while he was crossing the river in 1639.

In latter years, towards the start of the 20th century, the parish was an important fruit and hop-producing area. Leigh was also on a branch line of the Great Western Railway.

The parish website, run by the parish council, reveals: "The coming of the railway in the 1870s meant that fresh produce could be sent easily to large towns. It also meant that thousands of seasonal workers could come from the Black Country and South Wales for hop and fruit picking.

"Indeed, the arrival of the hop-pickers was an eagerly awaited event, when the parish population more than doubled. Extra police were drafted in and a whole range of special facilities were laid on."

For more information, see www.leighandbransford.

org.uk.

In recognition of the area's interesting history, and in an effort to preserve the memories of the older inhabitants, Leigh and Bransford Parish Council has sponsored the publication of two books, one covering all aspects of the parish to the present day, the other including photographs and memories from local people.

After walking some of the area's many footpaths, it is comforting to know there are several good eateries around too, including the Bank House Hotel, Golf and Country Club and the Fox at Bransford, among others.

10:16am Wednesday 9th April 2008

This former schoolhouse is now a home

One of the many tracks that invite you to explore the area.

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