Hereford (pronounced ['hɛɹəfəd] or ['hɛɹɪfəd]) Welsh: Henffordd (pronounced ['hεnfɔrð] "Henforth") is a city and civil parish in the West Midlands of England, close to the border with Wales and on the River Wye. It is the county town of Herefordshire.
The name Hereford comes from the Anglo Saxon here, meaning an army and ford which is a place where soldiers could cross.
Hereford has had a cathedral since 1059.
In 1997, Hereford Council lost its status as a city council, and had to appoint Charter Trustees. Its ancient city traditions are recognised and carried on by the parish council, which is led by the City Mayor.