From medieval times when it was a major English stronghold against repeated Welsh attacks, to its current role as the county town of Herefordshire and a major centre of agricultural trade, Hereford has a proud and distinctive identity. This extraordinary history is embodied in the buildings that have shaped this cathedral city. Hereford in 50 Buildings explores the history of the city through a selection of its greatest architectural treasures, from the magnificent twelfth-century cathedral to the Old Cattle Market development, a massive city-centre regeneration project that is only partly completed. Former archaeologist Ron Shoesmith and photographer Derek Foxton showcase Hereford's architectural heritage in a new and accessible way as they guide the reader around the city's historic and modern buildings.

Derek Foxton has lived in Hereford all his life, and practiced as a dentist there until his retirement thirteen years ago. For many years he also worked as a commercial photographer, having gained experience working part-time as a freelance photographer for the London Evening Standard during his student years. Many of the shots in the book are his own. This is Derek’s tenth book, with previous works including Hereford at the End of World War II and Hereford Through Time. Ron Shoesmith is a Founder Member of the Charted Institute for Archaeologists and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. He was the Director of the City of Hereford Archaeology Unit between 1974 and 1996 and also served as Cathedral Archaeologist for a similar period.