Rotherwas Together is the Herefordshire-based voluntary organisation dedicated to researching stories and raising awareness of the munitions factory ROF Rotherwas, the Royal Ordnance Factory built during the First World War. The factory was used for filling shells, with the first ones rolling off the production line in November 1916. The munitions site closed after the Second World War and became home to many businesses from the 1960s onwards and is now the Hereford Enterprise Zone.
Various smaller exhibitions have been held across Herefordshire and beyond, but an exciting partnership for 2026 sees a new venture where all the Rotherwas exhibitions are brought together in one venue. Working with Bromyard & District Local History Society, the exhibition will be hosted at Bromyard Local History Centre between 14 February and 23 May.
The exhibition includes stories of some of the brave women who worked at the munitions factory during both wars, and how the factory came about in the first place. It explains about the uniforms and protective clothing which was used during the First World War, and how the name ‘canary girls’ given to the women came about. There is also the remarkable story of the Rotherwas women’s football team, who played in front of big crowds during the First World War.
Alongside the stories are original artefacts and a recreation of a First World War factory uniform. Information will be available about how to trace your own ancestors who may have worked at Rotherwas, and there will be several talks about the history of the munitions in Herefordshire.
