Goodrich Castle was an early residence of the Earls of Shrewsbury (the Talbots) and there is little doubt that the ruins now seen upon these rocky heights are all that is left of one of the first castles built in England, dating well back into the Saxon period. The keep was built in the time of Stephen, and it will be noticed that no windows look away from the castle. In the Civil War it was taken by the Parliamentarians, with the inevitable result. It is a noble and imposing ruin, and a journey up the Wye Valley should not omit a visit to Goodrich Castle.
Goodrich Court lies half a mile north of the castle. It was built in the early part of the last century by Sir Samuel Meyrick, the well-known authority upon, and collector of, ancient arms and armour, and also the author of valuable works upon the same subject. The fine collection was sold some time since, and the house purchased in 1870 by Mr. George Moffatt.
Goodrich Church stands in the little village of that name near the Court, and should be visited, as the stained-glass windows are good. The ancestors of Dean Swift resided in the parish, and one of them was the Vicar and a notable Royalist.
The main road to Ross now leaves the Wye, but in order to see Wilton Castle, that passing near the river should be taken.
Wilton Castle was built soon after the Norman Conquest. It stands near the river upon ground which is not elevated, and was erected to protect the Welsh marches. It has been held by various families—the Longchamps, the De Greys, and that of Chandos. It suffered from the Parliamentary army in 1645. The remains consist of the outer walls only. A footpath will be found running between the walls and the river.
Wilton Bridge is a well-known landmark near Ross. It was built in the reign of Elizabeth, and consists of six arches. One of them—that near Wilton—is more recent than the others, having been rebuilt since its destruction by the Roundheads during the Civil War.
ROSS,
a picturesque little town with the steepest of streets, is perched upon uneven rocky ground high above the left bank of the Wye, and is surrounded by hills on three sides. It was a town at the time of Domesday.
The Market Hall stands prominently in the centre of the town, and its quaintness adds much to the attractiveness of the place. It was built in the time of Charles II., and the upper part is now used for the County Court and Petty Sessions. On the exterior of the south wall one notices a curious carving of the letters F and C, with a heart, reputed to be 'faithful to Charles in heart.' The 'Man of Ross,' who was famed for his good deeds, and is alluded to by Pope, lived opposite the Market Hall. The lower part of the house is now a stationer's shop. The good man's name was John Kyrle, and his portrait, by Sir Godfrey Kneller, can be seen in the upper room of the Market Hall, together with his will and an autograph letter, dated 1695.