Hereford

In the 18th Century, Hereford was a quiet market town, although it was quite well known for glove making.

During the 19th century, Hereford’s population grew by about 15,000 people, which was a substantial increase for what had been such a small settlement previously.

It was the last major town in Britain to be connected to a railway, this only happening finally in 1854. Leather working continued to be an important industry in the 19th century, and brewing and cider making flourished too. There was boat building, brick and tile making, and furniture manufacture, however, Hereford was predominantly a market town, rather than a large industrial centre.