Hereford
Hereford (/ˈhɛrɪfərd/ ⓘ HERR-if-ərd) is a cathedral city and the county town of Herefordshire, England. It lies on the River Wye, approximately 16 miles (26 km) east of the border with Wales, 23 miles (37 km) north-west of Gloucester and 24 miles (39 km) south-west of Worcester. With a population of 53,112 in 2021, it is the largest settlement in Herefordshire.
| Hereford | |
|---|---|
| City and civil parish | |
Hereford Cathedral and Wye Bridge | |
Coat of arms of the City Council | |
Hereford Location within Herefordshire | |
| Population | 53,112 (2021 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SO515405 |
| • London | 135.7 miles (218.4 km) ESE |
| Civil parish |
|
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region |
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| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | HEREFORD |
| Postcode district | HR1, HR2, HR4 |
| Dialling code | 01432 |
| Police | West Mercia |
| Fire | Hereford and Worcester |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| UK Parliament | |
An early town charter from 1189, granted by Richard I of England, describes it as "Hereford in Wales". Hereford has been recognised as a city since time immemorial, with the status being reconfirmed as recently as October 2000. Hereford has been a civil parish since 2000.
It is now known chiefly as a trading centre for a wider agricultural and rural area. Products from Hereford include cider, beer, leather goods, nickel alloys, poultry, chemicals and sausage rolls, as well as the famous Hereford breed of cattle.