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Hereford and Worcester County resulted from an uneasy merger in 1974 between the former counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The union was resisted on both sides, but especially by Herefordites. So newcomers shouldn't be surprised at how the two constituents tend to maintain separate identities. The Malvern Hills add a natural division as well to the county, bordering Wales to the west, the Midlands to the east, with Gloustershire and Shropshire south and north respectively. Rivers run through it. They include Britain's longest, the Severn, the River Wye, as well as the 30-mile Worcester to Birmingham Canal, built to facilitate the area's porcelain trade. Worcester (pop. 76,000) serves as the modern county seat. Its cultural attractions include a cathedral, Guildhall, the Royal Porcelain Museum and factory, and the Commandary Civil War Centre. Worcester was also the birthplace of composer Sir Edward Elgar, often commemorated during the city's Three Choirs Festival -- one of Europe's oldest choral events held every three years. Southwest of Worcester lies Hereford, distinguished by its medieval bridge over the River Wye, and 11th century Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Aethelberht. The city boasts one of the largest apple cider makers in the world, and its agricultural legacy includes the famed Hereford cattle breed which was "engineered" here. Rural landscapes, fishing and fresh air in general have attracted visitors to Hereford and Worcester dating back to the Roman occupation. The Black Mountains along the Welsh border, the Malvern Hills and Wyre Forest continue to be popular retreats for area visitors and residents.