Photograph (Many thanks to Major [Retd] Janet Brodie-Murphy) of a view across the Teme valley from Ankerdine Hill towards Whitbourne, with Brockhampton and Bromyard Downs in the distance (the other side then drops down to Bromyard) the river Teme again can be seen doing a question mark voyageupstream towards Ankerdine Farm.

Ankerdine Hill is supposed by some to have derived its name from some anchorite of old having fixed his retreat there. Although but 570 feet above the level of the sea, it commands a view almost as lovely and extensive as Malvern itself.

A family named Ankerdine (Ancredham) held land, and possibly a manor, here in the 13th century. The priory of Worcester exchanged lands at Doddenham with Adam, lord of Ankerdine, giving him lands near his house at Ankerdine which had been granted to the monks by their benefactors the Mans. Adam de Ankerdine granted to the priory other lands, ( and witnessed deeds, undated. Robert son of Martin de Ankerdine gave to the priory lands and rent, as did Gilbert son of Walter de Ankerdine, these grants being confirmed by William son of Walter de Mans. John de Ankerdine granted land to the priory in 1276–7. Margery de Ankerdine contributed to the subsidy about 1280. Walter de Ankerdine is mentioned as a juror in 1304 and 1308, and in 1317 granted a messuage, land and rent in Doddenham and Ankerdine to the priory of Worcester in free alms. Habington writes that this 'was the last of Ancerdham's manors in Doddenham,' because in 1393–4 the priory of Worcester leased the manor of Doddenham and Ankerdine. The monks of Worcester seem to have henceforth held the two manors, which were sometimes regarded as one.

 

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