welcome to this web site for the parish of Bedstone and Bucknell, Shropshire. 

Grateful thanks to Andy Clarke, Julie Parker, Beryl Sharp and Peter Davies for supplying some of the photographs reproduced within this web site.

Bucknell in View

Copies are as rare as hen's teeth - so if anyone would like a copy that I've re-created in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) version then send me an email and I'll send you a link to the file (34Mb). 

If anyone has, or knows of anyone who might have a copy they wish to sell or (better still) give away, then please contact me.

Thanks very much.

Bucknell Talking

Happily "Bucknell Talking" is STILL available and costs £4.50 including postage.

"Bucknell Talking" is a 57 page A4 soft covered publication containing transcribed interviews of senior villagers in Bucknell in the early 1980's and included illustrations and old photographs.  Please contact me if you wish to purchase a copy.

The picturesque village of Bucknell nestles in the beautiful Teme Valley in the unspoilt countryside of South Shropshire on the border with Herefordshire and Wales, just 12 miles outside Ludlow.  The river from its source forms the border, not only between Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys, but also England and Wales. Ludlow, the premier town of the Marches, is a perfect historic town with its large ruined castle standing high above the River Teme.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Set in an area designated as being of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Shropshire's hills and forest tracks are ideal for walking and rambling with a great diversity of wild life to be seen. Historic places of interest to visit include Clun, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Much Wenlock.

A peaceful resting place alongside the River Redlake in Bucknell
© Andy Clarke

Bucknell Railway Station

Bucknell Station on the 'Heart of Wales Line' serves this beautiful village which is a favourite base for those wishing to walk in either the Welsh or the Shropshire countryside.  Hop aboard the little train and relax as it takes you on a railway journey though a land of lush rolling hills and crystal clear mountain streams.  For 121 miles between Swansea and Shrewsbury, a feast of panoramic views includes the beautiful Loughor estuary near Llanelli, the meandering river Tywi between Llandeilo and Llandovery, red kite in the skies above the Eppynt hills near Llanwrtyd Wells, the Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, and the remote borderlands of the English Marches.

The village of Bedstone is very small having a population of 85.   The majority of adults are retired, mainly from working on the land, and most of the rest still work the land.

Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Bedstone Court - The Story of a Calendar House

Bedstone College is undoubtedly one of the most striking and imposing buildings in Bedstone. John Hodges, an old 'Bedstonian' published a book entitled "Bedstone Court - The Story of a Calendar House" in 2006. In almost 400 pages, containing numerous diagrams and photographs, it deals with the beginnings of the house which was completed in 1882; its designers and builders; the various families, friends and tenants who have owned and lived in it and its present-day use.

The book is being reprinted as a 2^nd Edition, to be published in early September 2008 containing 12 chapters, 7 colour plates and 365 images.  Details may be obtained from the author and publisher John Hodges by or at 7 Amber Reach, Spring Lane, Worcester, WR5 1AU.

A gallery of photographs from the area