A collection of 78 colour photographs with captions depicting the small and ancient, historic market town of Ross-on-Wye in South Herefordshire, England - easily reached from London and Birmingham by the M4, M5 and M50 motorways. [Population: 9574 - 2011 Census]Located on a sandstone ridge, the Town overlooks the picturesque River Wye and The Royal Forest of Dean is nearby. The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin dates from the 13th Century and the 17th Century Market House hosts twice weekly markets in the Market Square. Some of the many other attractions are the adventurous River Wye canoe expeditions, street sculptures, timber framed houses, Memorial Gardens, Museums, Phoenix Theatre, Leisure Centre, Independent shops, quality restaurants and public houses, riverside walks, annual International Music Festival and the more local River Festival held alongside the banks of the River Wye.From 1782 to about 1850 Ross-on-Wye was the departure point for "The Wye Tour," a two day river excursion to Chepstow which laid claim to it been described as the birthplace of the Package Holiday revolution and of the British Tourist Industry as it offered affordable picturesque excursions to the working classes as well as to those British travellers who could no longer enjoy "The Grand Tour" of continental Europe due to the Napoleonic wars. Ross-on-Wye is also notable for the benefactors who helped the town prosper. For example, the Rudhall family in 1575 were responsible for the repair of the almshouses near to St. Mary's Church. John Kyrle, the 17th Century Philanthropist established The Prospect Garden overlooking the River Wye and surrounding countryside, worked charitably to better people's lives and whose name is commemorated by the local John Kyrle High School and 6th Form centre as well as The Man of Ross Inn. Ross-on-Wye has also been associated [seriously!] with hedgehogs for many years and the lovable little creature can be seen around the town in various crests and logos especially in St. Mary's Church which has at least fourteen representations. The Town's long association of 1500 years with hedgehogs may have been due to the invading Celts who called the area "Ergyng" the "Land of the Hedgehog."
About the Author: Llewelyn's collection of books include the Series: UK Travel and Tourism Travel Handbooks Photo Albums Illustrated Diaries about European Budget Short-Break Holidays The Port Hope Simpson Diaries 1969-70 Port Hope Simpson Mysteries The Voluntary Service Overseas in Labrador and "Hidden Gem" written in honour of the staff of an Oncology Unit within a General Hospital in the National Health Service (N.H.S) in the United Kingdom (U.K.) Llewelyn has worked with The Honourable Canadian Senator William (Bill) Rompkey, on writing the history of the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in Labrador. This is what Bill wrote in his letter to the first get- together of the VSO teachers at Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire 1-3 August 2003, "...Labrador called to you and we are calling you now. I hope you will do what you can during these few days to fill in the Labrador record with your recollections and reflections. This too will be an important contribution to Labrador history. But mainly I hope you enjoy your time together. Llewelyn Pritchard has done a remarkable job in bringing you together. He is as shrewd as Holmes and as persistent as Poirot. He could even be a great Canadian! We owe him more than we can say. It's his event and I know it will be successful. All good wishes. Bill Rompkey"