Hurds Corner Thanks to Roger Williams for his research

Hurds Corner    [Synopsis of 7 pages]

Kingswood Chase Map of 1610 [Southeast corner of map]

The above contains a location “Huds Corner” which appears to be on Hanham Main Street [the A431] but the real location of this point has long been a mystery. Other sources have now enabled a diagnosis. … … …

1.   Boundaries of King’s Chase [Government Survey of the Chase 1652]

2.   Bristol Record Office details for Henry Stone’s Lease

              Finding Refs. ~ D2957/146/31, and  D2957/146/46

3.     ‘Mapp of Kingswood Chace’ dated 1672 [Arthur Farmer’s Lands]

The important conclusions of this report are:

1.     Hurds Corner now located, - at Hanham Baptist Chapel Grid ref. ST 646722

2.     It was a major road-crossing in antiquity.

An ancient track way crosses the river Avon at Riverside Cottages [Grid ref. ST 638704] heading north towards Gloucester. – It was crossed in Hanham by the Roman Via Julia from Bath heading west to Caerleon.

3.     Regardless of the spelling or meaning of Huds Hurds or Herds the important idea is that of a Corner. - Corners were a creation of the drovers bringing their herds to market. It was necessary to have places where livestock could be corralled in bad weather or overnight. Often at busy points accommodation for the drovers might arise in the form of an Inn. [We have the Blue Bowl]

I conclude that ‘Hurds Corner’ was the equivalent of a modern Motorway Service Area, which is exactly what Scotch Corner has become.

RJ Williams 2013