Lyonshall, Herefordshire - Extract from National Gazetteer, 1868

"LYONSHALL, a parish in the hundred of Stretford, county Hereford, 2 miles E. of Kington, its post town, and 11 W. of Leominster. It is situated on the S. bank of the river Arrow, and was formerly possessed by the Marbury, Devereux, Fouchet, and other families. Under the last named it became a market town. A castle was built here in early times, of which there are some remains. Bricks and tiles are made, and limestone is obtained for building. Coal is brought from Brecon, and lime from the kilns near Radnor, by a tram-road, which runs through the parish. The surface is finely wooded, and the soil clayey. The land is divided between arable and pasture in nearly equal proportions, with the exception of about 360 acres of woodland.

The village is situated on the road from Hereford, and on that from Worcester to Aberystwith. The appropriate tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £430, and the vicarial for £330. The living is a vicarage* in the diocese of Hereford, value £350, in the patronage of the Bishop of Worcester. The church, dedicated to St. Michael, is an ancient stone edifice, with square tower, and has several monumental tablets. The charities produce about £2 per annum. There is a parochial school for both sexes, with teacher's residence. In the neighbourhood are remains of Offa's Dyke, in good preservation. A seat called the Moor is the principal residence. Lady Langdale is lady of the manor."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868)
Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]