KNIGHTWICK AND DODDENHAM. 235

Knightwick and Doddenham.

KNIGHTSFORD bridge, the meandering Teme, the charming Ankerdine Hill, and the good old inn (the Talbot) at its base, in summer time form a great attraction to pleasure parties and men on fishing bent. The locus in quo is just nine miles from Worcester, on the road to Bromyard. It is much to be wondered at that the beauty of the spot and its many advantages have not attracted gentry and retired tradesmen to erect on the slopes of Ankerdine their villas and cottages ornee. More pleasing rural scenery can scarcely be obtained than from the range of hills extending from hence to the Berrow Hill, at Martley. The hill is supposed to have derived its name from some anchorite of old having fixed his retreat here. Opposite, on the south bank of the river, is a precipice or cliff (Rosebury), where interesting specimens of botany and geology are found; and curious traditions and superstitions linger here, including a horrible reminiscence of a "man without a head," and "something like a black pig," seen occasionally at Bate's Bush, where a poor suicide was once transfixed with a stake! Round about is rich pasturage, with orchards, hops, wheat, beans, and other crops in luxuriance. The only drawback to this delightful picture is the waste occasioned by slovenly management. In the year 1841, it is said, the fences in Doddenham occupied fifty-one acres, or six per cent, of the cultivated land! and from what I can ascertain, there is but little alteration to the present day. Drainage, however, is in progress to some extent. The Dean and Chapter of Worcester, or rather the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, are the lords of the manor, and Mr. F. E. Williams and .Mr. John Freeman are the chief landowners. The acreage is 1,500 and the united population