Herford
Hereford is a historic cathedral city located in Herefordshire, England, on the Wye river.
Wace says that Earl Guerguint governed the city under King Arthur.
Hereford | 0 to 700 AD
During the Roman period (43-410 AD), the territory that includes modern-day Hereford was part of the Roman province of Britannia. The Romans established a network of roads and settlements in the region, including the construction of roads like Watling Street. While there isn’t extensive evidence of major Roman urban centers in the immediate Hereford area, the Roman presence had an impact on the surrounding landscape and infrastructure.
As the Roman Empire declined and withdrew from Britain in the early fifth century, the area fell under the influence of various Anglo-Saxon tribes and kingdoms. The Hereford area was likely settled by the Anglo-Saxons during this time, although specific details about the nature of these settlements are limited.
The spread of Christianity in Britain began during the Roman period, but its influence persisted into the Anglo-Saxon era. Missionaries and clergy worked to convert the local population to Christianity. By the seventh century, Christianity had gained a foothold in the region.
One notable historical figure from this period is Saint Ethelbert, a king of the East Angles who converted to Christianity. Ethelbert was reportedly killed in the vicinity of Hereford in 794 AD. A church dedicated to St. Ethelbert was built in the area, which eventually became the site of Hereford Cathedral.
Sources
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155
Brut | Layamon, late 12th century to mid-13th century