History
English Bicknor is one of the ancient villages of the Forest of Dean, situated at the top of a hill overlooking the Wye Valley, and once the site of a motte and bailey castle, the remnants of which can still be seen. Close to the village is Bicknor Court, an imposing house some 400 years old. Situated between Symond's Yat and Lower Lydbrook on high ground opposite its namesake Welsh Bicknor. English Bicknor is first recorded as a hamlet in 1066.
A primarily agricultural and industrial area, its main attraction today is the small Norman parish church dedicated to St Mary which has excellent internal stonemasonry and sculpture dating from the 12th century. The original tower was situated centrally but was built from the soft local sandstone which became unsafe. The church is also interesting because it is sited within the outer courtyard of the motte and bailey castle. Norman masonry has been found within the motte, suggesting at least part was built in stone and while nothing is left of the castle's actual structure today, its location is still identifiable. A typical early Norman defence work which is one of many along the Welsh Marches, it is thought to have been built in the reign of Henry I of England (1100–1135) or King Stephen (1135–54) and was demolished or destroyed by the late 14th century, but why and how is not known (possibly during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr).
Local folklore has it that should an inhabitant of English Bicknor see an inhabitant of Welsh Bicknor crossing over from the Welsh to the English side of the river, he is legally allowed to shoot him. This being the stuff of legend, it is unlikely to be accepted as a legitimate defence in court. In any case, later legislation surrounding murder will have superseded any such permission and as Wales is now considered no longer the enemy, its inhabitants are therefore under the Queen's peace.
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