Pulford can be understood through several distinct historical themes: its medieval motte-and-bailey castle, the architectural history of named cottages, and a rural tradition shared with Poulton. The Poulton and Pulford Brook route is another landscape feature in its own right. When planning your visit, it is worth keeping these themes separate: they take you from the history of a place to its buildings and a route through the meadows of the Dee Valley.
Castle and Architectural History
The earthworks of Pulford Castle, a motte-and-bailey castle, are well preserved and particularly clearly visible. The castle stands on the north bank of Pulford Brook, immediately southwest of the churchyard of St Mary. Pulford Castle already existed around 1245: at that time, the Ormesbee family transferred its share of the estate and castle to the Pulford family. The location and historical records provide two specific reference points for the castle’s history, without the need for a longer chronology.
The named houses also offer various architectural details. Pump Cottages, together with the post office and outbuilding, form a Grade II listed group. The Black and White Cottages are also Grade II listed. North of Green Paddocks, a cottage originally consisted of a two-bay dwelling and a one-bay agricultural building with a hayloft. This description records the dwelling and agricultural building as part of a single architectural grouping.
Green Paddocks was built in 1872 by John Douglas for the 3rd Marquess of Westminster. The Pulford and Poulton area also has numerous buildings designed by John Douglas and associated with the Grosvenor family. This shared regional connection extends beyond Pulford alone. Pulford and Poulton also share a long agricultural tradition of dairy and cheese production, adding an economic aspect of the area to its architectural history.
History, Groups and Dates
The Pulford and Poulton Local History Group was founded in 2000 and remains active. It offers talks on historical subjects and visits to places of particular interest. Meetings are held at Pulford Village Hall on most third Wednesdays of the month at 19:30; there is an exception in December. Local visits may take place in July and August. As meetings may change, check the current schedule before committing to a date.
The Pulford Painters Art Group occasionally holds demonstrations and workshops with guest artists. From time to time, it also puts on exhibitions of its members’ work. If you would like to include an event in your plans, check the date in advance.
A one-hour Holy Communion service takes place at St Mary the Virgin, Pulford, at 9:45 on every first and third Sunday. Times may change; confirm the current service schedule if you would like to plan your stay around it.
Route through the Dee Valley
The Poulton and Pulford Brook route is 4.5 miles long and passes through the low-lying meadows of the Dee Valley. It offers a different focus from the castle and architectural history, with the distance and landscape taking centre stage. After heavy rain, sections may be muddy or flooded. Bear this possibility in mind when planning your day and check conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Macclesfield, Hartford, Tilston, Tarvin, Tarporley, Mere, Congleton, Neston.
For the wider travel overview: Cheshire.
