Hallow Ford
by
H W Gwilliam
This is another very ancient crossing of the Severn, and is mentioned in a charter relating to Hallow in Birch’s
Charlularium Saxonicum 356 and 816 as ‘Sealt Stroet’ or ‘Salt Road’. The road was a deviation from the old
Roman Road at Martin Hussingtree to Fernliill Heath, along the present A38 which it left at Claines Lane to cut
down Old Northwick Lane, a very ancient hollow lane to Hallow Ford. Crossing the river it goes up long, well-
graded slopes to the high ground of Hallow Road.
It was at Hallow Ford in August 1265, that Edward, Prince of Wales,deceived Simon de Montford,by pretending
to march his army up the west bank to Ludlow but, under the cover of darkness, he returned to cross at Hallow
Ford and confront de Montfort next morning at the fatal battle of Evesham. This must have been a busy
crossing in days past, for the fields on both sides of the river have depressions from old brickyards, but there is
no record of a ferry here for a very long time.
Copyright ©
H W Gwilliam
1982
Other pages in WHE
Severn Ferries and Fords in Worcestershire
Worcestershire History Encyclopaedia