Ford

26 FORD (D.c.)

(O.S. 6 in. XIX, N.E.)

Ford is a very small parish on the river Lugg, 3 m. S.S.E. of Leominster.

Ecclesiastical

(1). Chapel (dedication unknown), stands on the left bank of the river. It was entirely re-built in 1851, but is said to stand on the old foundations. It consists of an apsidal chancel (10 ft. by 12 ft.) and a nave (32 ft. by 15 ft.).

Fittings—Floor-slabs: In chancel—(1) to Herbert . . . . . ms, 1707. In vestry—(2) to Elizabeth (Benett) wife of . . . Flacket, 1676–7. Glass: Now at Wharton Bank (Leominster Out)—upper part of round-headed light with remains of crucifix, moon, stars, and foliage, 13th-century, said to have come from Ford chapel. Plate: includes beaker-cup (Plate 60) of 1689 and shaped cover probably of the same date. Miscellanea: At Wharton Bank—head of a traceried panel in oak, 15th-century, and two pierced octagonal stones, said to have come from Ford chapel.

Condition—Rebuilt.

Secular

(2). Ford Bridge, over the river Lugg, 300 yards S.W. of the church, is of rubble with ashlar dressings. It was built probably in the 17th century, but the gradient of the roadway was altered and the parapets re-built probably when the adjoining railway was constructed. The bridge has cut-water piers, and is of three spans with semi-circular arches, the middle arch rising higher than the other two.

Condition—Good.

(3). Stone Farm, house, 700 yards N. of the chapel, is of two storeys; the walls are partly timber-framed and partly of stone, and the roofs are tiled. The E. end of the main block was a 17th-century cottage, to which a N. wing was added in the 18th century and the main building later extended towards the W. Some of the original timber-framing is exposed, including a ceiling-beam inside the building.

Condition—Good.