Village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England
Human settlement in England
Callow is a village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England, about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Hereford. The church is dedicated to St Mary.
Callow is a small village and civil parish in Herefordshire, England. It is located approximately four miles south of Hereford and is known for its rural setting and historic parish church, St. Mary’s.
Geography
Callow is situated in the West Midlands region of England and falls within the Hereford and South Herefordshire parliamentary constituency. The village is surrounded by farmland and gentle hills characteristic of the Herefordshire countryside. Nearby localities include Aconbury and the hamlet of Portway.
History
The history of Callow dates back to the medieval period, with evidence of earlier human habitation in the surrounding area. St. Mary’s Church, a Grade II listed building, is the village’s most notable historic landmark. The current church structure was rebuilt in 1830 by architect L. Johnson and expanded in 1884 by Lloyd Oswald. The church was closed for worship in 1994 but remains a significant architectural and historical feature of the village.
St. Mary’s Church
The church is built from squared and rock-faced sandstone with sandstone dressings, topped with a Welsh slate roof. It features a west tower, a two-bay nave, a one-bay chancel, a vestry, and an organ chamber. Inside, the church contains a 13th-century font, various wall monuments from the earlier church, and stained-glass windows commemorating notable local figures, including Caroline Horton and John Horton.
Governance
Callow is governed at the local level by the Callow and Haywood Parish Council, which also oversees the neighboring parishes of Haywood and Grafton. The parish council addresses local issues and represents the community within the wider governance framework of Herefordshire Council.
Community and Land Use
The village maintains a rural character, with most of the land used for agriculture. Callow does not have significant commercial or residential development, preserving its historic and pastoral setting. The surrounding area is popular for walking and countryside activities.
Notable Landmarks
St. Mary’s Church: A Grade II listed building noted for its architectural significance and historical connections.
Farmland and Countryside: Callow is surrounded by agricultural land that contributes to its rural charm and local economy.
References
"Church of St Mary, Callow." Historic England. https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1166802
"Callow and Haywood Parish Council." Callow Haywood Parish Council. https://callowhaywoodpc.org.uk/
"Church of St Mary, Callow." British Listed Buildings. https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101166802-church-of-st-mary-callow
External links
Media related to Callow, Herefordshire at Wikimedia Commons
