A gripping history of Cradley, displaying how its fragmented landownership and strong agricultural roots shaped its distinctive identity.

Nestled in the rolling Herefordshire countryside, the parish of Cradley has a history shaped by its land and those who worked it. This volume delves into the intricate social, economic, religious, and political fabric of Cradley, sketching its evolution from a medieval settlement to a thriving agricultural community. Relying extensively on local archival sources, the book portrays how a fragmented model of landownership fostered a powerful and influential yeomanry, whose wealth and governance left a lasting imprint on the parish.

Agriculture emerges as the central thread in Cradley’s story, sustaining its people and shaping its landscapes for centuries. Through detailed research and its captivating story, Victoria History of Herefordshire: Cradley paints a portrait of a community built on resilience and the rhythms of rural life.