Craswall is an authentic rural village set along the Monnow River in the old border area between Wales and England, known as the Marches. The Marches were a "free zone" where local yeomen freely ruled until the 16th c. Craswall used to belong to the Lord of Ewyas Lacy until 1536.
Although Henry the VIII finally brought the area under control, it kept its independent character. The position is spectacular, just at the foot of Black Hill and the Black Mountains, a chain of mountains from the Primary Era later eroded when glaciers withdrew from our British latitudes. The views are majestic: from the pass leading to Craswall Priory and Hay-on-Wye, one can see the whole of Herefordshire. The main activity of our local community is high-quality sheep farming. In Craswall, you will be able to re live the evocative scenes of the recently-released film, "Resistance" by Owen Sheers.
The Grade II-listed ruins of the church and claustral buildings of St Mary's priory of Craswall are suggestive. The Priory was founded by the Lord Walter de Lacy circa 1225. It was part of the French Grandmont Order which only had two other priories in Britain. As an alien priory, it was suppressed in the 15th century.
Find out moreThis charming small parish church is said to have been built using the stones and a medieval set of windows from the Priory after its demise. Our Anglican parish is now attached to several others such as Clodock, Michaelchurch and Longtown.
Created and managed by Sue Norrington and her team of local volunteers, this high-quality music festival takes place three times a year: for the Harvest Festival in late October, in March, and in summer, at the breathtakingly beautiful Dore Abbey. Please contact us to enquire about the 2024/25 season. We can buy tickets on your behalf if you wish.
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Our local pub (The Bulls Head) is 1.7 mile walk along the lower lane. You could walk via the Drovers Road (stile free but can be muddy) or across the fields (beware of the stiles if you have a heavy dog). Local beer and excellent food. Our clients are never disappointed. Check opening times as they are only open from Wednesday to Saturday evening. Not only do they offer fine dining but keep an eye on their website for local music evening and al fresco dining in their outdoor kitchen.
Check their listing in the Michelin Guide https://guide.michelin.com/gb/...
Bulls Head website for opening times, event and booking: https://www.wildbynaturellp.co...
Our other local pub (The Bridge Inn) is 2.6 miles away either walking or by car. Offering good home cooked food and sometimes lively entertainment with Karaoke, quiz and games evenings. On a Wednesday evening they provide home cooked wood fire Pizza and on Thursday Burger and a pint evening. Open from Tuesday to Sunday.
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We are in one of these rare areas in the UK with hardly any light pollution. The star-gazing experience can be unforgettable. When the night sky is at its peak the Milky Way and occasionally the Northern Lights are visible.