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.).
The Chapel, Plan
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.