BOSBURY is an ancient parish and village, in Radlow hundred, Ledbury union and county court district, rural deanery of Frome, archdeaconry and diocese of Hereford, 4 miles from Ledbury and 145 from London. The church of the Holy Trinity is an ancient building consisting of nave, chancel, and two aisles; the chancel is separated from the nave by a low oak screen; it has been recently restored, and the roof opened; there are some curious ancient monuments to the Harford family, also some fine specimens of ancient carving inserted in the pulpit; there is an organ. The tower, which is a square building of great thickness and strength, was erected in the 13th century; it is detached from the church , and was originally surmounted by a wooden spire; there are 6 bells and a clock. The register dates from the year 1558.

The living is a vicarage, annual value £337, with residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Hereford, and held by the Rev. Berkeley Lionel Scudamore Stanhope, M.A. of All Souls’ College, Oxford. There is a Grammar school for boys, with an endowment of the value of £82 per annum; also a National School for girls. The population in 1861 was 1,000; the area is 4,769 acres. The parish is divided into three townships - Bosbury,Upleadon and Catley. Bosbury House, the residence of Rev. Edward Higgins, M.A., of Brasenose College, Oxford, J.P. and D.L. of Hereford and Worcestershire, is an Italian structure of red brick and stone, with balustrades and portico; the interior is replete with a rare collection of curiosities, ancient and modern. Old Court, which is now a farm, was formerly a residence of the Bishops of Hereford; the refectory is now used as a cider cellar; the doorway and wicket are still perfect. There is also an ancient panelled room in the Crown Inn, with the arms of different members of the Harford family. This is a cider and hop district.

   Parish Clerk, Joseph Chadd.

Acton Mrs. Grange
Dutton Mr. William, The Villa
Higgins Rev. Edward, M.A., J.P. & D.L. of Hereford & Worcestershire, Bosbury House
Stanhope Rev. Berkeley Lionel Scudamore M.A., J.P. Vicarage

COMMERCIAL
Andrews John, hop grower, landowner & farmer, Catley’s cross
Andrews William, farmer, Shin’s croft
Berry Edward, farmer, New house
Berry William, farmer & hop grower, Swinmore
Bishop William, grocer
Bosley Thomas, landowner & farmer, Long acre
Bosley Thomas, jun. farmer, Bentleys
Brazier James Herbert, Crown inn
Brooke George, farmer & beer retailer
Burrows Alfred Joseph, farmer & hop grower, Grange
Calder Joseph, farmer, Slatch
Caundel Henry, Bell Inn
Collett Jane (Mrs.), grocer
Cotton Allan, wheelwright & smith, New house
Cotton Robert, farmer & hop grower, The Hill
Crouch Thos. miller (water), Lower mll
Cummings Jsph. farmer & hop grower, Slatch
Dodd Elizabeth, shopkeeper
Edwards George Benjamin, farmer & shopkeeper, Stanley hill
Edwards William, farmer, Woodlow
Fidoe Anne, (Mrs.) carrier
Gardiner Ann (Mrs.), farmr. Norbridge
Gardiner Thomas, farmer, Townend
Green Thomas, farmer & hop grower, Upper Catley
Hancocks John, wheelwright
Harding Richard, beer & cider retailer, Stapelow
Hiatt Matthew, farmer & miller, Stapelow
Hickman Richard, farmer & hop grower, Old Court
Jennings William, cooper
Kendrick Edward, farmer & hop grower, Hill house
Lane William Sivell, farmer & hop & cider grower, The Farm
Maddox Joseph, farmer & hop grower, Upper Catleys
Morris Thomas, farmer, Upper mill
Mutlow James, farmer & hop grower, Gold hill
Mutlow Richard, farmer & hop grower, Cold green
Orgee Kenelm, farmer & beer retailer
Palmer John, farmer, Dog farm
Palmer John, farmer, Townend
Palmer William, farmer & hop grower, Notehouse
Parry Thomas, well sinker & pump ma[ker]
Pitt William, farmer & hop grower, Temple court
Reynolds James, farmer & hop grower, The Brook
Shaw John, beer retailer
Shayle George, yeoman & hop grower, Upleadon house
Spencer Edward, farmer & hop grower, Woodlow
Thomas David, blacksmith & shopkeeper
Townsend James, blacksmith
Turner Samuel, farmer & hop grower, Lower house
Vobe William, farmer, Hill park
Willan James, farmer & hop grower, Nash end


POST OFFICE – Joseph and Jane Chadd, sub-postmasters. Letters are received through Ledbury at 10 a.m.; dispatched thereto at 4.10 p.m. Ledbury is the nearest money order office.
Grammar Schoolmaster and Organist, Edwin Peacock
National School (girls), Miss Lavinia Moore, mistress

Source: Post Office Directory of Herefordshire. Published 1863.