Shobdon

Shobdon developed as the Doomsday village of 'Scepedune', a safe overnight stop along a mile long stretch of road used by the drovers bringing their flocks to Leominster market. Today, it is still a rural centre in arable farmland growing soft fruits, potatoes and grain. There are seven small pools and the largest natural lake in Herefordshire.

Shobdon airfield began as a wartime aerodrome which was used by the RAF Gliding School as the main training area for the Normandy and Arnheim landings. Now the leisure centre offers facilities for flying, gliding, micro-lighting and helicopter training.

Shobdon's St. John the Evangelist was built for Horace Walpole of Strawberry Hill in 1756 in Gothick style and is the only Rococo church in England. Decorated in ornate painted plaster work with Chinese motifs, all the furniture and fittings are in the same style. Originating 1,000 years ago, Shobdon Arches stand at the top of an avenue of trees to the north. They are the interior arches from the 12th century Norman church pulled down to make way for the new church but their position is weathering away the fine carvings of the Herefordshire School of Sculpture (Romanesque) which dominated in the western counties at that time. Kilpeck Church is another fine example.

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