Abandoned Woodsman Cottage | Mordiford Country Life | Wye Valley Herefordshire

Abandoned Woodsman Cottage | Mordiford Country Life | Wye Valley Herefordshire
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In this video we take a look at the famous woodsman cottage in the Wye Valley built from old timbers using Wattle and Daub. This is old school country living in the woods. It probably dates back to the early 17,00's. There are some good features left. The footage was taken before the area was closed off to the public.
Links
Mordiford Village en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordiford
Timber Frame Construction tinyurl.com/yehn995p
Thanks for watching!

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

Great old range. takes me back to my great grandad's Northern Ireland farm in the 1950s. That place really is ancient then.What a bothy it would have made! My relatives had an oven and a hot water tank with brass tap. Hook above to suspend a frying pan as well. Just mind you don't go through the floor! Love the enigmatic music and photos, Mark. Well done and thanks...Terry

[@WyeExplorer]

It is a lovely old one Terry. Ah, your grandparents place sounds great tank and taps and all. I can just see it. Yeah, U didn't go upstairs because of the floor. Once the weather gets in that's it. Thanks Terry - all the best. Mark

[@stephensmith4480]

Hey Mark, what an amazing Dwelling. It reminds me of some of the deserted Cottages that are in The Rural parts of Ireland, the government are actually awarding Land grants for people to Buy and renovate them to live in again. When I grew up in Liverpool in The sixty`s some of our Neighbors still had Ranges in their houses, they were always black leaded and looked amazing. I still have my Grandmothers Flat Iron that would be heated up on her Range to do the Ironing with. Those old Buildings are just full of character. Cheers mate 👍👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey there Steve, yeah I imagine Ireland is peppered with such places as the land economy shifted all that time ago. Them Liverpool homes sound interesting - back in the day when all the doors were open. Great to have your grandmothers iron. My grandparents were old school farmers and lived this way too. I agree full of character. Thanks bro - stay well out there. Mark

[@stephensmith4480]

@@WyeExplorer 💯% Mate 👍

[@michaelrawson6261]

Hey Mark, amazing video my friend. I know this cottage, but only from the outside! You're MUCH braver than I, for one thing, going in, secondly climbing those stairs!! It's an extraordinary place and I've only ever passed it by. Love and peace my brother. Mike R

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Mike, yeah it is known by many and is nice from outside even. As I said in the description I went in before the property was purchased in recent years. The stairs are dodgy - still plenty to read into this place. Thanks bro. Take care out there. Mark

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I've just been watching Patrick's Q&A, and he gave you a shoutout. I've popped across to subscribe. I only discovered hiking when I retired, but I'm trying to make up for lost time before the arthritis gets to me. Anyway, hello from Stafford (originally from Cheltenham). These handmade structures, amazing that people within 100 years of us lived in places like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Chris. He's a good man Patrick and that was a good Q&A. Good to hear from you. Well, I've been dealing with that in my ankle - it can be a bugger but with lots of physio you can manage it. Yeah, this is a fantastic structure and record. The life back then was so different yet with some things we recognize. Many thanks - I'll be coming on over to yours now. All the best. Mark

[@BourneOutside]

Naughty children were stored under the stairs back in our day, Mark 😁 Nice lathes on the ceilings. I still have lathe ceilings in my home upstairs. 1865. Such a shame it’s been left to wreck and ruin ☹️

[@WyeExplorer]

Ha ha, yeah that's exactly what our mum was like. Thanks Tim got a date for the ceiling. That's fairly old. The cottage was probably updated then. For sure if I had the money I would have secured it. Thanks bro. All the best. Mark

[@DesmondsDonders]

It is a shame it is coming down. That is a piece of history. Thanks for sharing.

[@WyeExplorer]

I meant it will fall down Dave - it gets worse every year. But yeah it's known around these parts - a historical gem in the woods. All the best. Mark

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

It is a shame isn't it? I'm glad it has been recorded for posterity by Mark.

[@wendingourway]

Fantastic work in documenting. Hard to see sometimes these amazing structures in disrepair. We have so many abandoned structures and houses in Nova Scotia. Always think that surely there must be government monies somewhere that could be used to keep these places in good shape and liveable. Wonderful stuff! Bruce and Otis

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Bruce/Otis. Yeah, hard to see them fade. I can imagine all the settlement buildings over there - some interesting historic ones. We do love to see them. Many thanks. Mark

[@wozoutdoors1439]

that is a really cool place , the picture of the front is great .

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, it is Warren. Glad you like the picture. Mark

[@cupcakescorner7684]

Interesting looking abondoned cottage.only the brave ines can be thers. Great views taken. Great flight 11:01

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, it's a good old place. Not sure what flight you mean though. Mark

[@travel_nature_and_life]

Hi Mark, a lovely gem you discovered ! I have always noticed how attracted we are to this kind of abandoned house...or it is the house that calls us , to give it back life, for a few minutes... 💛

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Gaddielle - yes it is a beautiful relic. I think the house calls us - it's magnetism is unmistakable. And you're right we breathe life into it. Many thanks my friend. I trust you're well. Mark

[@ervinslens]

Stunning place bud, what a scenery!

[@WyeExplorer]

It's a fascinating place and yeah the woods around there are beautiful. Cheers dude. Mark

[@OUTDOORALLY]

Good on you Mark for documenting this lovely old cottage , before its lost to time . Really enjoyed that 👍🏻🏕

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Al. Yes, mate just a local landmark - had to film it before it disintegrates totally. Glad you enjoyed it bro. All the best. Mark

[@noakeswalker]

That's quite a Herefordshire relic, isn't it Mark ? I am amazed the roof hasn't caved in yet, that'll probably seal its fate I think. Nest up the chimney could be made by jackdaws - they like a chimney ! I presume there's no sign of electricity cables or fittings anywhere ? So that could mean it hasn't been lived in since the early 50s at least. As you say, I think probably way before that. No sign of vandals either, which is very nice. I presume that it's fully fenced off these days, for H&S reasons if no other. Sounds like quite a busy path going by there, I could hear voices...or is that just me ? Haha. Cheers matey, Dave.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi there Dave, it an awesome woodland relic. I love to see the old woods people tending to their business here. You might be right about the Jackdaw - there's so much more - small details. No, no light fittings or switches - good observation. Yeah, good that vandals haven't taken to it. Re-the security a chap purchased the property a few years back and it all changed - yeah no doubt protecting himself. Thanks Dave - it's a fascinating place. All the best. Mark

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice craftsmanship, thank you for sharing 😊

[@WyeExplorer]

A pleasure bro - yeah some old techniques in this build. Mark

[@ChrisJB]

What a splendid structure that is. You'd think there would be some sort of preservation order on that Mark. If ever the day came for someone to tear it down I'd chain myself to it. I especially liked the old floor tiles. It would be good if someone could do a bit of dendrochronology on the beams to give a rough date. The nest could be a jackdaw's, they like chimneys. Many thanks for sharing that. Absolutely amazing.

[@WyeExplorer]

It sure is a good one Chris - charms you as you pass by. For sure it's an historic cottage built, as you can see, the traditional way. So yeah a preservation order would be obvious. Ha, some local might just chain themselves to it they love it so much. Yes, I like the tiled floor too as well as the paneling. I reckon mid 1700's but a scientific test would be cool. Jackdaw has been mentioned a number of times. I reckon we've got the bird. Well, a pleasure to share Chris. Have a good week ahead. Mark

[@NBNatureTrailvan]

Just fantastic Mark!! What a beautiful place. And a good idea to document it mate. We have an old place where we have those red square tiles and the internal walls were vertical boards like that one 😃😃. But ours is an old Victorian terrace not a fantastic place like that. Love it. Could be an old Jackdaw nest there. We have them - flippin huge amounts of material come down the chimney 😃😃 Thanks for sharing mate. Enjoyed immensely

[@WyeExplorer]

It has a tragic beauty to it Dave. Your old Victorian terrace sounds very evocative too. It's great these places are still here to feel and sense. Yes, someone else mentioned jackdaws - most likely the bird. A pleasure tp share bro. All the best out there. Mark

[@NicoleHikesalot]

Hello Mark such a fantastic old structure and place. Beautiful setting and nice nesting place for birds. Yes makes you wonder when the last time wss someone lived there. If walls could talk.❤all the best my dear friend. Great photos and music too

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Nicole yeah it's an awesome old wood land cottage that the birds like now. Ah, but the walls do speak - we just have to listen. Many thanks. Mark

[@EggnogonthebogProductions]

Love the house and find. The Range Fire Place is awesome. So much history there. Great find Mark.

[@WyeExplorer]

I've known it for many years bro but yeah always good to see it. I love the fire place still being there - a lot of nights sat simply. Cheers bro. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Well as soon as I started watching this Mark, I suddenly thought "hmmm I wonder...." and there indeed was that old wattle and daub cottage I remember from my Mordiford and Haugh Wood walk 5 years ago! 😃 I'm so glad you explored inside and captured such great footage. Still retains a lot of character in spite of its condition. Thanks for sharing your exploration of this lovely old building Mark, really enjoyed this. All the best 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Yes, it's still standing Patrick but only just - more supports and tumbling down inside. It had to be recorded for sure. People have got a few snaps but I don't see many of the inside. For sure still loads to read in this old home - love it. A pleasure to share. Have a great weekend up there. Mark

[@b57ecv]

I did the loop at the beginning of the year this year with my wife, it was the one building I've always wanted to visit seen many many photos of it online, its a real shame the owners of the land in that posh modernist house haven't renovated it, or let other enthusiasts of historic buildings do anything with, its old tech skills that can still quite simply and easily be brought back to life to fix it up, it was well worth the visit, i to took many photos of the poor little old house that needs some love and attention, i just wonder what story's it could tell us all if it could talk.

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there friend, good to hear of your own explore and walk. Yeah, with todays knowledge it wouldn't take much to secure even - make weather tight. The owner is a former Director from a big Hereford company. My dear late twin brother and I explored the former small holding that was on the site of his ugly house. Just doesn't fit in the forest. Well, many thanks. It is a much loved cottage for sure. Mark

[@Linleys]

It would be such a shame to see the cottage destroyed and lost. If only it could be salvaged, either where it is or relocated to some rural-life museum somewhere. Thanks for recording and sharing, cheers :)

[@WyeExplorer]

It would be sad to see it go - it's been ever since I can remember Warren. If it went that would be like it being wiped out. I think it belongs there. A pleasure to share. Mark

[@NotAnotherAdventure]

Incredible documenting Mark, absolutely beautiful cottage, I wonder how many tales it could tell

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, there are a few stories in there. Yes, it's great reading these places. So much comes out. Many thanks. Mark

[@HikeCamp]

The wall construction is quite interesting. If old buildings could talk, I guess they do in their own way..

[@WyeExplorer]

Wattle and daub Max - we get them all over here. This one certainly told a few stories - we can read them like a book. Thanks my friend. Mark

[@JamieHarding5]

Hi Mark. Great vid, what a cool old cottage. The garden and views also. Enjoyed that.👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there Jamie. Yeah, it's one that draws you in. It's been there for as along as I can remember. Glad you enjoyed the vid. All the best. Mark

[@BorderRambler]

Great to document these old buildings Mark, as you say it will come down some day. Plenty of history right in front of us . Nature is reclaiming it back though , once water gets in it’s game over . TFS atb Dave

[@WyeExplorer]

It is Dave considering it's boarded up now and there is no access at all. You're right one the weather gets in it's fate is ceiled. Thanks bro. All the best up there. Mark

[@SetForAdventures]

To find a building such as this is one thing Mark but those remaining original features are truly lovely to see (a great exposition mate ) Best regards Simon

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Simon. I've been passing by this old place for years and had to record it. Yeah, still some small features to read inside and out - always good. Many thanks bro. Mark

[@OSMOneStepMore]

An interesting house. Who knows what stories the house could tell us, but I'm sure they would be very interesting. Nice sharing Mark and have a nice week. Cheers. Sretana and Zac. ✌😁🤗

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Sretana/Zac. It is super magnetic so to speak. I love to read these places - they do tell us a lot. A pleasure to share. I will have a good week ahead - you too. Mark

[@gerrymcveigh]

Mark, a beautiful old cottage with so many amazing features👍 Must have been some place when in proper condition. I can imagine cooking away with bread on that old range with a nice bottle of ale back in the day. Cool to spot the nest and to think it might be an owl using the cottage.

[@WyeExplorer]

Alright there gerry. It sure is a charming old cottage. Gets me every time. Ha, as me and Erica said a small loaf of bread. Maybe their Ale was home brewed. Could have been cider. Re-the nest. I've been told it could be a Jackdaw. Many thanks gerry. I trust all is well over there. Mark

[@steenbeanl7170]

Very old structure!🙂

[@WyeExplorer]

hey there friend, yeah very old and always charming. Hope all is well over there. Mark

[@PinetreeLine]

Really interesting cottage Mark. It makes one wonder what kind of stories it could tell. Thanks for showing us Brother!

[@WyeExplorer]

It's been there ever since I can remember Doug. Yeah, for sure there was an old school life there once. A pleasure to share bro. All the best. Mark

[@JimTimber]

I love the old range Mark bro !..I could just curl up in front of that and sleep by the fire !!.. awesome !! What a beautiful property !! That nest was amazing !! Some awesome old features in that cottage.. I wonder too when somebody last lived there.. it seems to be standing the test of time even empty !! A sure sign of craftsmanship !! Have a superb weekend mate.. and very best wishes as always to you !!

[@WyeExplorer]

It's a cracking old rusting one Andy. Yeah, I imagine they had some tight winters around there. As for the property it has charm for sure - the Jackdaws (I've been told) like it up the chimney. Not sure how long it will survive - the weather's getting in and that usually signs its fate. Thanks Andy bro. Take care over there. Mark

[@JimTimber]

@@WyeExplorer Seems such a shame that nobody wants to give the old girl a helping hand. It would make a perfect bothy style place for hikers !..the old Jackdaws could have nesting boxes made for them !! 😁😁

[@WyeExplorer]

@@JimTimber Yeah, if I had the money I would restore it and open it up to the outdoors and downcast and poor families to stay. Ha, we could build a fake chimney for the old birds.

[@filbritfrolics9315]

did pass by it on one of our walks there, lovely area, good that it is still there for others to see :-),

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, always nice to see it but looking sad of late. Not sure how long it will stand for. All the best. Mark

[@MarkTayloroutdoors]

What a fascinating place, love old buildings like this, definitely seen batter days this one, but I'm sure it would have many stories to tell if it could speak. That 10p was an interesting find, wonder who and why it was left. Thanks for documenting and sharing this with everyone Atb Mark

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Mark, yeah it's an old landmark - been here forever. They closed it off so I took a look before they did that. It does tell stories! Re-the 10 pence not sure what the score is nut it's a nice touch. A pleasure to share. Have a great week ahead. Mark

[@AdventuresThings]

I love abandoned places, loved it Mark thanks for the share.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey there Mike, yeah they have a certain spirit alright and tell many stories. A pleasure to share buddy. Mark

[@BackpackerDiaries]

After being away for a while I’m catching up with your vids today Mark. Interesting to see the way things used to be built. Those holes in the floor above you definitely look sketchy; glad you didn’t pursue the upstairs portion too deeply with that.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, there Amos. Yeah, goes back probably 17th C going by the wattle and daub and roof slats. No, I was about to fall through the roof now that the weathers got in. Well, good to hear from you Amos. All the best. Mark

[@nigelharness9032]

Hi Mark, thought provoking video, love this sort of history, a simple life way back when livestock one side and living quarters the other how things have changed and not always for the better, shame about the sycamore tree in northumbria cut down for no real reason, anyway enjoy your weekend cheers nigel

[@WyeExplorer]

Hiya Nige, I agree thought provoking for sure how the set up was. No, not always for the good. As for the tree it is very sad but I recently posted a very interesting quote on my facebook. it went like this: We curse the one blighted chap, who felled the sycamore at the gap, but tolerate those richer guys, who burn whole forests, seas and skies. It's food for thought. Thanks Nige. Take care up there. Mark

[@nigelharness9032]

@@WyeExplorer cheers Mark yes we cursed the young lad but let the people in power keep cutting down our forests and polluting the rivers and skies, what a race we are ?

[@bigdogcountry1693]

Great share thank you Mark - what a shame the building was allowed to fall into such a state

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, thanks bro. Yeah, it's a lovely cottage but it fell through the net somehow. All the best over there. Mark

[@Kababoes]

Places and cottages like that are fascinating Mark. How many stories are hidden there. Take care bro, atb Hans.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, there Hans. Yeah, they draw you in for sure. They're like a book. Cheers bro. Mark

[@K9OutdoorsSearchTeam]

You should go back at night Mark, I bet it would give off some vibes then.

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, it would Bill bit you wouldn't get in any longer - it's boarded up. Thanks bro. All the best. Mark

[@ShameerShahProject]

Hi Mark, just got around to watching this video. That’s one beautiful building. Those window frames could be recycled for another cabin hey 😊 it would be nice if the local authority could restore it to its former self.

[@WyeExplorer]

I reckon you're right - them frames have an environmental and monetary value. Not my property though. This property is in private ownership Shameer and the owners a bit of a bling man. Thanks bro. All the best. Mark

[@GazianoOutdoors]

Love the look of that place mate , enjoyed the video and explore , a fascinating place 👍 atb

[@WyeExplorer]

In person it has loads of charm Gaz. Glad you enjoyed the look in. All the best up there. Mark

[@WalkWithWallace]

Love these type of explores, just need Kevin McCloud Grand Designs in there to give it a new lease of life.

[@WyeExplorer]

They are fascinating Robin - this has been here since I can remember. Ha ha, Kevin the man of the unusual and rare - yeah he'd do a good job. Thanks bro. Mark

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@WyeExplorer brave going upstairs by the way. 😂

[@WyeExplorer]

@@WalkWithWallace Not all the way Robin.

[@saunteringsapsfords]

Wow.that shouldn't be allowed to be demolished, it's part of Herefordshire history. It would be interesting to know Mark how long it's been since someone lived there.?

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey brother - no most certainly part of the area. Some friends have sited no electricity meaning maybe the 1940's or 50's. Many thanks. Mark

[@doitsavemoney]

It’s spider in the chimney?? I’m sure it will turn out Beautiful wooden cottage again if someone will do restoration..looking good location as well😊

[@WyeExplorer]

It sure would make a decent little home - you're right the location is pretty good. Many thanks. Mark

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Hi Mark, is it an old listed building, the Weald open air museum maybe interested in that, they carefully dismantle, move, rebuild and renovate old buildings of interest.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey, Paul. Not sure if it's listed but that open air museum sounds interesting. If only it could be saved but then it would be moved and it's a bit of a local landmark. Thanks mate - I trust you're well. Mark

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

@@WyeExplorer It's an open air museum full of old original restored buildings from different eras of our history, I'm pretty sure that's what the place is called but not actually been there myself. All's well and good here cheer's bud, hope you're well yourself and all the best to you Mark.

[@atrampinthehills.841]

What an amazing place...such a shame it has fallen into this state of decay.

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, it's captured our attention over the years steve. It gets worse each year. Thanks mate. Mark

[@FIVE-FOOTLyth]

Nice music Mark. If you had the opportunity, permission & resources, what would you do with it?

[@WyeExplorer]

Yeah, kind of fitted Sue. What would I do with it if I had all that? I would renovate it and open it and the land up to downcast and depressed people and poor families sop that they could come and camp, explore and walk. A kind of a retreat. For me everyone needs that vibe and memory making opportunity. Thanks Sue. Take care. Mark

[@mycolliesandme268]

Hi Mark I've been there to, some years ago. Surprising that it's still standing and that nobody hasn't tried to restore it. I wonder why. I see its been propped up here and there. So who is responsible for it. And is it owned,questions🤔 Glad it's still standing but for how much longer. Thanks for sharing. ATB Mark 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

Hi Steve, yeah many local know this one. It's a landmark. Yeah, still there but you're right for how long I don't know. The owner lives up the lane - he purchased the land a few years back - this video was before then. I suppose it has no value. Thanks bro - we love it. Mark