If you’re planning a visit to Bromyard for the first time, welcome! We’re a small town with a big heart and there’s a lot to love about this place. If you’re just visiting for the day or sticking around longer, you might find yourself noticing things that set Bromyard apart from other towns. Little details that make it special.
Here are five things that make Bromyard unique and we bet they’ll make your time here even more interesting.
1. The Backward “D” – It’s a Bromyard Thing
Noticed a backward “D” around town? It’s not a mistake. It’s one of Bromyard’s quirky signatures. It was noticed on the famous ‘Bromyard Bushel’ in St Peters Church by the designer creating the town’s branding and affectionately adopted, but boy did it stir things up. It was a bit marmite and even landed us in the national news, generating a fun bit of PR for our small market town. There was even a limited edition run of ‘Backward D beer’ from Wye Valley Brewery and optional backward D merchandise available at the Bromyard Market and online.
2. Bromyard Once Had Elephants!
You’re not imagining things. Bromyard once had elephants walking through its streets. During WWII, a circus moved to Tack Farm near Bromyard, and with it came a few elephants. The sight of these gentle giants roaming through the town became a memory many locals still talk about today. Though you won’t spot any elephants today, their legacy still pops up in local stories and even theatre productions, like The Elephant’s Dream.
3. Bromyard looks like it’s shaped like an Elephant!
Speaking of elephants, did you know that from up the Bromyard Downs, looking down to our lovely town it looks like an elephant? If you look from the right angle, the shape of the town itself seems to form the outline of an elephant, which is a fun coincidence, given the town’s history with these majestic animals.
Even if you don’t see the elephant shape, the Downs are still one of Bromyard’s best spots for a walk or simply to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to connect with nature, and who knows? Maybe you’ll spot the elephant too!
4. The Haunted Church of Avenbury
If you’re into ghost stories, head to Avenbury just outside Bromyard. Here, you’ll find the ruins of St. Mary’s Church, a place known for its spooky history. Visitors have reported strange noises and odd feelings when they stop by.
The legend behind the haunting dates back to the church’s history. Some say the church was built on an ancient burial site, which could explain the strange occurrences. Others believe it’s linked to the tragic history of the church itself – several people were believed to have been buried within its walls and some reports suggest that the church was abandoned after a series of unexplained events.
Regardless of the reasons, St. Mary’s Church remains one of the most intriguing spots around Bromyard, and if you’re a fan of ghost stories, it’s definitely worth a visit.
5. The Yellow Brick Road of Bromyard
As you walk around, you might notice that Bromyard even has its own yellow brick road! It’s not just Oz you can find when you follow the yellow brick road, but if you visit us and park in near the Conquest Theatre, the walk takes you down the side of the Halo Centre and you’ll discover local artist, Jane Tudge’s Bromyard Bricks in the pathway. Representing the hops, the Bromyard yellow and the famous Bromyard Bushell. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bromyard Bee too! Bromyard is really full of surprises!
Come Visit Bromyard and Discover the Quirks
Bromyard is full of surprises. From its quirky history to its stunning views, there’s so much to love about this town. Come and experience it for yourself. You might just fall in love with Bromyard, just like we have.
