https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news-rss.html Worcester People and Places News Copyright 2000-2026, Worcester People and Places worcesterpeopleandplaces@gmail.com CMS Made Simple The story of Angel Street in Worcester is a dramatic saga of architectural ambition, devastating loss, and a unique social intersection between business and the arts. At the center of this narrative stands the Theatre Royal, a venue that for nearly two centuries served as the cultural heartbeat of the city, inextricably linked to its legendary neighbor, the Shakespeare Tavern..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/807/146/The-Heart-of-Angel-Street-A-History-of-the-Theatre-Royal-and-the-Shakespeare-Tavern.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/807/146/The-Heart-of-Angel-Street-A-History-of-the-Theatre-Royal-and-the-Shakespeare-Tavern.html Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:22:23 +0000   When discussing "Leader Williams" in a father-son context, the most prominent figures belong to a notable 19th-century British family from Worcester. The family name evolved as individual members became famous in their respective fields of art and engineering, painters including John Constable, Thomas Sanders and William Taunton to say a few. Edward Leader Williams... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/805/146/Leader-Williams-Father-Son-and-various-Artists.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/805/146/Leader-Williams-Father-Son-and-various-Artists.html Tue, 17 Feb 2026 23:04:20 +0000   When discussing "Leader Williams" in a father-son context, the most prominent figures belong to a notable 19th-century British family from Worcester. The family name evolved as individual members became famous in their respective fields of art and engineering, painters including John Constable, Thomas Sanders and William Taunton to say a few. Edward Leader Williams... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/804/146/Leader-Williams-Father-Son-and-various-Artists.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/804/146/Leader-Williams-Father-Son-and-various-Artists.html Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:04:20 +0000 Worcester Electric Tramway Part 2   Under Research https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/802/146/The-Worcester-Electric-Tramway-System-Part-2-Under-further-research.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/802/146/The-Worcester-Electric-Tramway-System-Part-2-Under-further-research.html Sun, 05 Oct 2025 19:06:38 +0100 RAF Defford  A Flight TRFU 1946 Aircraft Avro Lancaster JB 558 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/800/146/RAF-Defford-Lancaster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/800/146/RAF-Defford-Lancaster.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:28:54 +0100 Lion Walk, off Sansome Walk, got its name from the White Lion public house which existed there until about 1908. Hares Lane and Hounds Lane, (off Bridport, the site now occupied by the Technical College in Dean's Way) is said to have been so called after an inn, the Hare & Hounds, which existed there some time in the 17th century...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/799/146/Roads-Named-After-Pubs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/799/146/Roads-Named-After-Pubs.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 01:02:24 +0100 The Bridport area had an unusual number of signs commemorating battles and commanders; the Duke of Wellington, Prince Blutcher, and the Prince Regent in Bridport, General Hill in Fish Street, Lord Nelson in All Hallows, and the Mouth of the Nile (after Nelson's famous victory) in Copenhagen Street. It was usual in the 19th century and before, for.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/798/146/Military-Pub-Signs-in-the-Old-Bridport-Area.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/798/146/Military-Pub-Signs-in-the-Old-Bridport-Area.html Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:36:41 +0100 The Fleece Inn, nestled in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Bretforton, is far more than just a pub; it's a living piece of history. From its original Victorian furnishings and low wooden beams to the countless paintings and photographs adorning its walls, the inn exudes an atmosphere rich with stories of times gone by. It's even rumored to have inspired the Prancing Pony... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/795/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/795/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:54:40 +0100 The Fleece Inn, nestled in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Bretforton, is far more than just a pub; it's a living piece of history. From its original Victorian furnishings and low wooden beams to the countless paintings and photographs adorning its walls, the inn exudes an atmosphere rich with stories of times gone by. It's even rumored to have inspired the Prancing Pony... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/796/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/796/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:54:40 +0100 The Fleece Inn, nestled in the picturesque Worcestershire village of Bretforton, is far more than just a pub; it's a living piece of history. From its original Victorian furnishings and low wooden beams to the countless paintings and photographs adorning its walls, the inn exudes an atmosphere rich with stories of times gone by. It's even rumored to have inspired the Prancing Pony... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/797/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/797/146/The-Fleece-Inn-at-Bretforton.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:54:40 +0100 Fish Street once contained a number of fine half-timbered house's, the finest being the Fishmongers Hall, dating back to the 13th century. It stood until 1905, but it had been allowed to decay into a dismal ruin, and finally collapsed. It had been divided up into nine slum tenements but still had a number of carved oak barge boards. Under the layers of whitewash four finely carved panels... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/794/146/The-Fishmongers-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/794/146/The-Fishmongers-Hall.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:07:34 +0100 A Glimpse into the Past: The Rich History of the Raven Hotel The Raven Hotel in Droitwich is more than just a place to stay; it's a living piece of history. Long before it became the hotel we know today, the building and its grounds were steeped in the town's rich past, a story that stretches back centuries.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/793/146/The-Raven-Hotel-Droitwich.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/793/146/The-Raven-Hotel-Droitwich.html Mon, 11 Aug 2025 11:51:32 +0100 The Chantry of Prince Arthur in Worcester Cathedral  is a most beautiful work of its period. It commemorates probably the most splendid occasion ever witnessed at Worcester - and one of the most tragic, the burial of Arthur, Prince of Wales, who died at Ludlow in 1502, at the age of 16. The death of ....... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/792/146/The-Burial-of-Prince-Arthur-1502.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/792/146/The-Burial-of-Prince-Arthur-1502.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:14:44 +0100 There exists a 13th century record of a female anchorite who attached herself to the east end of St. Nicholas Church, Worcester. There was another anchorite at Diglis, and one attached to St. John's Church, Worcester. The anchorage was formally sanctioned by Bishop Gifford in 1269. Her name was Juliana, but apart from the name, we know little of her. Her names  was Juliana, the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/791/146/Worcestershire-Anchorites.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/791/146/Worcestershire-Anchorites.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:52:38 +0100 Tradition has it that St. Werstern (or Werstan), a monk at Deerhurst, built himself a cell upon a ledge of rock on the Malvern Hills, in a ravine leading to the position of St. Anne's Well. H.S. Brassington in Historical Worcestershire says that when the Danes destroyed the monastery at Deerhurst, Werstan fled through the marshes and forests to the solitude of the Malvern Hills, where he... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/790/146/The-Hermitage-at-St-Annes-Well-Malvern.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/790/146/The-Hermitage-at-St-Annes-Well-Malvern.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 18:16:09 +0100 Redstone Hermitage is of great antiquity. Official recognition and protection was granted to it in 1160. It lies in the parish of Areley, and the parish church contains a memorial to Layamon, the famous monk of the 12th century, who tradition has it, dwelt at the Hermitage of Redstone, and who was the author of A Chronicle of British History - and the first poet to sing of Arthur and his times... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/789/146/Redstone-Hermitage.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/789/146/Redstone-Hermitage.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 16:55:34 +0100 The life of the solitary was held in high esteem. People felt wholly called to God in prayer and silence. Some mostly women, were known as Anchorites. They usually had themselves walled up in their cells 'anchored' to  some religious building or shrine and relied on charitable persons to supply their needs ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/788/146/Hermits-and-Hermitages.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/788/146/Hermits-and-Hermitages.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 12:58:46 +0100 John Badby, a tailor born around 1380, became a follower of the theologian John Wycliffe. Wycliffe and his followers, known as Lollards, challenged the Catholic Church's core teachings, particularly the doctrine of transubstantiation. This belief holds that the bread and wine used during the Eucharist sacrament literally transform into the body and blood of Christ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/787/146/The-Execution-of-John-Badby-a-Worcester-Lollard-1409.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/787/146/The-Execution-of-John-Badby-a-Worcester-Lollard-1409.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:41:26 +0100 William Tyndale, one of the martyrs of the Reformation, was born in the old diocese of Worcester somewhere near the Severn Estuary. His translation of the Bible into English was one of the great events of the English Church. Tyndale, was born in 1492, went to Oxford and Cambridge, then in the throws of the new learning, and came under the influence of John Collett and Eramus. By 1522, he... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/786/146/William-Tyndale-and-the-Translation-of-the-Bible-into-English.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/786/146/William-Tyndale-and-the-Translation-of-the-Bible-into-English.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:32:59 +0100 A Penance ordered on Two Clerks of Droitwich, who resisted arrest by the Bishop's ministers and the Archdeacon of Worcester, in 1304. Order to the Dean of Wych to absolve John Colleware and John Barnard, Clerks from the sentence of excommunication for violence done in the church of St. Peter, of Witton of Wych, to the Bishop's minister and the archdeacon of Worcester by Richard... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/785/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-Two-Clerks-of-Droitwich.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/785/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-Two-Clerks-of-Droitwich.html Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:11:54 +0100 The Bromley's left Battenhall and the property was purchased by William Sebright of Wolverley, who had amassed a large fortune as Town Clerk of London. Six years later he purchased Besford Court, which became the Sebright's principal seat. The Sebrights held Battenhall for over 250 years, as long as it was held by the ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/784/146/The-Sebright-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/784/146/The-Sebright-Family.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:51:36 +0100 Sir Thomas Bromley, born circa 1585, was the eldest son of Sir Henry Bromley of Shrawardine Castle and Elizabeth Pelham. He began his education at Queen's College, Oxford, in 1600 at the age of 15, and was knighted in 1603, inheriting his father's estate in 1615. He was married twice: first to Anne Walsh, with whom he had two sons and two daughters, and later to Katherine Copinger in... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/783/146/Sir-Thomas-Bromley-1585-1641.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/783/146/Sir-Thomas-Bromley-1585-1641.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:42:29 +0100 The Bourne's were succeeded by the Bromley's, Sir Thomas, the Solicitor General, and later Lord Chancellor. He was largely responsible for Elizabeth's rejection of the suit of the French Catholic prince, the Duc d' Alencon, but especially for the fate of Mary, Queen of Scots. Parliament induced Elizabeth to sign the death warrant, and Bromley lost no time in affixing the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/782/146/The-Bromleys-of-Battenhall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/782/146/The-Bromleys-of-Battenhall.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 18:17:19 +0100 John Bourne (born by 1518), was most likely the son of Walter Bourne of Wick, Worcestershire, became a prominent figure in the 16th century. He married Dorothy Lygon by 1546, and they had two sons and three daughters. He was educated at Lincoln's Inn and knighted on October 2, 1553....... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/781/146/John-Bourne-1518-1575-of-Battenhall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/781/146/John-Bourne-1518-1575-of-Battenhall.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:56:25 +0100 The old half-timbered house known as Battenhall Manor was destroyed in the 1960s. In Victorian times it was known as Battenhall Grange. It is believed that it was built of the timbers from Prior Moore's mansion when it was taken down in the 17th century. The Grange was the parish workhouse in the 18th century, for before the formation of the Poor Law Unions in 1782 ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/780/146/Battenhall-Grange.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/780/146/Battenhall-Grange.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:31:58 +0100 The threat of a Napoleonic invasion of England at the end of the 18th century and at the beginning of the 19th , was the beginning of what was known as the Volunteer Movement. There was unparalleled enthusiasm for the vigorous prosecution of the war, and throughout the country some 4000,000 men enrolled - 722 in one week in Worcester City. Tuberville's history says ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/779/146/The-Volunteer-Movement.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/779/146/The-Volunteer-Movement.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:04:11 +0100 In 1914, the German invasion of France aimed to overwhelm Allied forces, bypass Paris, and capture the Channel Ports. The British Army at Ypres was crucial in preventing this. The village of Gheluvelt became the focal point of the Battle of Ypres. Gheluvelt's position on a forward spur of the ridge overlooking Ypres made it the last British-held point dominating the enemy's line.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/778/146/Battle-of-Ghelvelt-31st-Oct-1914.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/778/146/Battle-of-Ghelvelt-31st-Oct-1914.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:48:17 +0100 The story of the Worcestershire Regiment is deeply intertwined with the history of the county and its city. While the 29th Regiment of Foot was officially linked to Worcestershire in 1782 for recruiting purposes, its frequent overseas deployments meant that the connection remained somewhat nominal until later. A significant step in forging a stronger local identity occurred in 1877 with the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/777/146/Worcestershire-Regiment-The-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/777/146/Worcestershire-Regiment-The-City.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:41:36 +0100 The Second World War's arrival in the United States brought significant changes to at least 131 women in Worcester, who became the wives of American Gi's based in the surrounding areas. Official figures show that 38 Worcester women were married to American servicemen in the city's churches, with another 93 wedding GIs at the Worcester Registry Office. Beyond American soldiers,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/776/146/The-Local-War-Brides-of-Internationals.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/776/146/The-Local-War-Brides-of-Internationals.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 13:49:50 +0100 Norton Villa (The Firs) was occupied in the mid-19th century by the Walker family connected by marriage to the Havergals; Frances Ridley Havergal, whose hymns and poems enjoyed immense popularity. Mrs. Walker was a progressive lady, the village having no schoolmaster, held classes in her home till 1832, and thereafter established a day school, and formed a lending library for parishioners in... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/774/146/The-Walkers-of-Norton-the-Tragedy-of-the-Captain.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/774/146/The-Walkers-of-Norton-the-Tragedy-of-the-Captain.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:44:32 +0100 During the 1939-1945 War, Hillsborough Workhouse was a secret, but very important part of Britain's defenses. At the end of 1940, the German airforce were making nightly raids on Coventry, Liverpool and Birmingham, using the Severn as a navigation aid. To counter this, No 81 Group Fighter Command moved top Tallow Hill to track the bombers and direct our night-fighters to intercept them.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/773/146/Tallow-Hill-Workhouse-Fighter-Command-H.Q-Sir-Sholto-Douglas.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/773/146/Tallow-Hill-Workhouse-Fighter-Command-H.Q-Sir-Sholto-Douglas.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:09:48 +0100 Nestled within the tranquil landscape of Croome Court in Worcestershire lies a remarkable history, one that played a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of World War II and the subsequent Cold War. What appears today as a serene National Trust property was once the clandestine home of RAF Defford, a top-secret airfield that became Britain's leading center for the development of airborne... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/772/146/From-Secret-Airfield-to-Museum-The-Story-of-RAF-Defford.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/772/146/From-Secret-Airfield-to-Museum-The-Story-of-RAF-Defford.html Mon, 14 Apr 2025 16:19:24 +0100 Sir Charles Hastings (11 January 1794 – 30 July 1866) was a medical surgeon and a founder of the British Medical Association, the BMA, (then known as the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association) on 19 July 1832..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/771/146/Sir-Charles-Hastings.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/771/146/Sir-Charles-Hastings.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:51:10 +0000 In Martley, two families held the living for over three centuries, benefiting from its substantial income. Martley was worth as much as £1,000 a year, and even more from tithes in prosperous years. From the mid-17th century, a junior branch of the Vernon's of Hanbury Park served as Rectors of Martley..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/770/146/Two-Families-Hold-Living-for-300-Years.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/770/146/Two-Families-Hold-Living-for-300-Years.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 15:18:52 +0000 Evesham Abbey, located in Evesham, Worcestershire, England, was established between 700 and 710 AD by Saint Egwin. Its founding is linked to a vision of the Virgin Mary reportedly seen by a swineherd named Eof. Despite the Norman Conquest, Evesham Abbey prospered, largely..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/769/146/Evesham-Abbey.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/769/146/Evesham-Abbey.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:17:47 +0000 The following were of Saxon foundation, and all probably and all probably Benedictine Priories, Blockley, Daylesford, Fladbury, Hanbury, Kempsey, Ripple, Whitting (most likely Whittington), Sture-in Usmere (Kidderminster. Later were: Cookhill, (Cistercian founded 13th century), Elencester (Possible Alcester?, Augustine Canons), Westwood, Whitstones (Worcester), Westbury On Trim, f,992... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/768/146/Some-Early-Religious-Houses-of-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/768/146/Some-Early-Religious-Houses-of-Worcestershire.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:25:51 +0000 Christian teaching was tacitly accepted as the basis of law. The control of the Church over its people and their morals, was complete. The Church not only taught, but punished when it was thought necessary. Below are the details of a penance ordered in 1303, on a Sub-Deacon and his woman. It comes from the Register of Bishop Geynesburg (Gainsborough), Bishop of Worcester, 1302-1307..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/767/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-a-Sub-Deacon-and-his-woman-in-1303.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/767/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-a-Sub-Deacon-and-his-woman-in-1303.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:07:47 +0000 The Enthronement of a Bishop in his cathedral church serves as a formal introduction to the clergy and laity of his diocese. The Enthronement of Bishop William Gainsborough in 1302 seems to have been a strange affair, and not without discord.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/766/146/The-Enthronement-of-a-Medieval-Bishop-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/766/146/The-Enthronement-of-a-Medieval-Bishop-of-Worcester.html Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:35:12 +0000 The provision of education for the poor in the City of Worcester up to the end of the 19th century was one of spasms of great individual effort, followed by periods of stagnation and neglect, leading eventually to the acceptance of municipal responsibility for education within the city.....   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/765/146/Introduction-to-the-Provision-of-Education-for-the-Poor-in-the-City-of-Worcester-during-the-18th-19th-Century-In.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/765/146/Introduction-to-the-Provision-of-Education-for-the-Poor-in-the-City-of-Worcester-during-the-18th-19th-Century-In.html Sat, 08 Feb 2025 11:17:18 +0000  Frederick Lygon 6th Earl Beauchamp was born on 10 November 1830, in Madresfield, Worcestershire,  he was the son of  General Henry Beauchamp Lygon 4th Earl Beauchamp, who was 46 and his mother, Susan Caroline Eliot, aged 29. He married Mary Catherine Stanhope on 18 February 1868, in St George Hanover Square, London, England, United Kingdom.  In 1885, his... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/764/146/Malvern-Celebrates-the-Marriage-of-Frederick-Lygon-6th-Earl-Beauchamp-February-1868.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/764/146/Malvern-Celebrates-the-Marriage-of-Frederick-Lygon-6th-Earl-Beauchamp-February-1868.html Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:02:39 +0000 It was the practise in some parts of requiring widows, on re-marrying, to pay a fine to the Crown, but by the mid-19th century, it had become a thing of the past. Berrow's Worcester Journal reported a re-marriage at St. Swithun's (Swithin's) Chuirch, Worcester, in 1775, which points to the acceptance of another 'legal'practice: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/763/146/Widows-Re-Marrying.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/763/146/Widows-Re-Marrying.html Tue, 04 Feb 2025 14:24:43 +0000 Captain Michael Clements was a naval officer who greatly distinguished himself in the wars with France & Spain. Near Cadiz, in 1778 Captain Clements in the Vengeance, in sight of all the people assembled on the walls of the city, defeated two frigates sent out against him, and took on a whole Spanish fleet, receiving the fire of 24 ships of the ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/762/146/Captain-Michael-Clements-R.N.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/762/146/Captain-Michael-Clements-R.N.html Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:51:01 +0000 Until the 1880s Barbourne Bridge was a mere footbridge, almost at water level, with a ford for vehicles beside it.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/761/146/Barbourne-Bridge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/761/146/Barbourne-Bridge.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:53:33 +0000 Gheluvelt Park in Worcester commemorates the 1914 Battle of Gheluvelt, where the Worcestershire Regiment halted a German advance. Opened in 1922... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/760/146/Barbourne-Park-Gheluvelt.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/760/146/Barbourne-Park-Gheluvelt.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:36:38 +0000 Barbourne Lodge  The house stood on the south side of Barbourne Brook. Fanny Burney called it 'Barebones'. In the latter half of the 19th century it became a 'pest house' or fever hospital. When Newtown Road Hospital opened a fierce ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/759/146/Barbourne-Lodge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/759/146/Barbourne-Lodge.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 12:37:17 +0000 Bill recalls when he was about 12 years old, he had a school friend called George, who lived in a house built on the foundations of the old City Bridewell prison, at the bottom of Copenhagen Street, and through this connection, he saw much of the life in that part of the City. George's father, Mr. Blissett, was secretary of the Plough Inn Fishing Club, and Bill and his friend had... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/758/146/The-Plough-Fishing-Club-Outing-A-recollection-of-the-1920s-Bill-Gwilliam-recalled.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/758/146/The-Plough-Fishing-Club-Outing-A-recollection-of-the-1920s-Bill-Gwilliam-recalled.html Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:44:33 +0000 A article written by the late Mike Grundy in Worcester Evening News -3-97  'Glorious glimpses are recaptured this week of a once famous local funfair which gave untold enjoyment to may thousand of Worcester and Malvern families for more than half-a-century. Strickland's Amusements toured constantly around central England, from village fetes to the grounds of stately... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/757/146/The-Colorful-Life-of-a-Family-of-Showmen-Worcester-Even-News-3.97-Mike-Grundy.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/757/146/The-Colorful-Life-of-a-Family-of-Showmen-Worcester-Even-News-3.97-Mike-Grundy.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:24:17 +0000 In the 1930s a short stretch of the river bank at Grimley, known as the Grimley Lido, gave untold pleasure to the people of Worcester. It was hardly a 'Costa Brava' or a beach on the Cornish Riviera, just the length of a longish field, but it became the mecca of thousands of people who wanted a dip in the river, or a picnic , on a summer week-end, or a Thursday 'half-day... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/755/146/Grimley-Lido.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/755/146/Grimley-Lido.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 15:02:15 +0000 The hunt ball at the Shirehall was the high point of social life in Worcestershire at the turn of the 19th century. All the county nobility were there, and the company included 'all who was anyone', and numbered 4378. It was the fashionable function of the year and no money was spared to create a setting to show off the brilliant jewels and dresses, and the scarlet uniforms of the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/754/146/The-Hunt-Ball-of-1896.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/754/146/The-Hunt-Ball-of-1896.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:18:04 +0000 In olden times, the High Bailiff and the Low Bailiff alike, were expected to give an annual feast, and when the Mayors came into existence nearly four centuries ago they improved upon the ancient traditions. On every occasion they made merry, no matter whether it was a Coronation, or the death of the King, whether it was a funeral or the discussion of bye-laws about the size of quart pots (946... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/753/146/Food-Drink-Official-Eating-Drinking-In-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/753/146/Food-Drink-Official-Eating-Drinking-In-Worcester.html Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:30:20 +0000 It is known that a building on the Shelsley Side of Woodbury Hill existed in the late 19th and early 20th Centurys, which was owned by Dr Barnardo's. On old maps it is shown as the reformatory, but the locals always spoke of it as 'The Home'.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/752/146/Dr-Barnardos-Boys-Who-Came-To-Canada-Extract-from-the-book-Bill-Gwilliams-b1888-Father-connection.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/752/146/Dr-Barnardos-Boys-Who-Came-To-Canada-Extract-from-the-book-Bill-Gwilliams-b1888-Father-connection.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:28:24 +0000 About 1840, a silk factory was established by a Mr. Grovernor in Fish Street, making shawls, mostly black 2 yards square. The principal production of the factory was  however, furniture covering, and it won a prize ,edal at the ...   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/751/146/Silk-Shawel-Manufactory-in-Kidderminster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/751/146/Silk-Shawel-Manufactory-in-Kidderminster.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:21:33 +0000 Power looms saw an increase of female labour in the textile industry. Dixons brought in women to the looms in 1884, and this was believed to have been an attempt to cheapen labour. However, a standard of 35s. 0d a week was maintained, even though similar work was being done in Yorkshire by women for 15s a week. By 1901.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/750/146/Power-Looms-and-Female-Labour.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/750/146/Power-Looms-and-Female-Labour.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:09:20 +0000 In 1854, George Price Simcox, (formerly Lea & Simcox) obtained a patent for printing twill fabric, which was woven plain, then printed with blocks, and called Beaver Carpets. Works were set up in Worcester Road, but the .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/749/146/Beavers-Stouts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/749/146/Beavers-Stouts.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:56:43 +0000 The destruction of Messrs Watson's Pike Carpet Mills in Green Street, Kidderminster, on July 1, 1886, was one of the most disastrous fires ever seen in the town. The damage was estimated at the time as £80,000 and 500 workpeople were effected. One of the largest mills in Kidderminster was burnt to ruins, and the machinery reduced to a mass of twisted iron...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/748/146/The-Pike-Carpet-Mills-Fire-1886.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/748/146/The-Pike-Carpet-Mills-Fire-1886.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:53:08 +0000 Following a dispute in the carpet industry concerning 'the number of apprentices the masters shall allowed to be employ and the age at which apprentices shall be placed on the loom', the workers, led by Ben Adams, established an emigration society to aid 'those who are desirous of leaving the country'. He planned .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/747/146/The-Emigration-Fund-of-the-Carpet-Trade.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/747/146/The-Emigration-Fund-of-the-Carpet-Trade.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:41:44 +0000 In 1863, and association of power loom carpet weavers was to be formed in Kidderminster, but it was the manufacturers, in fact, who were the first to form a permanent association. The Power Loom Carpet Manufacturers Association was founded in 1864.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/746/146/Carpet-Manufacturers-Association-founded-1864.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/746/146/Carpet-Manufacturers-Association-founded-1864.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:32:57 +0000 Typical of the development of a carpet manufactory is this account from 1919 of the firm of Tompkins & Adams: Adams was an employee for 15 years, and for 35 years a partner. Tompkins was with Lea & Simcox as a boy of 13 on a handloom in a warehouse now occupied by Messrs. Hyles in Mill Street. Tompkins & Adams started with less than ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/745/146/Tompkins-Adams-on-Mount-Pleasant-Carpet-Trade.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/745/146/Tompkins-Adams-on-Mount-Pleasant-Carpet-Trade.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:11:01 +0000 An attempt in the 1880s to combine all factories under a 'syndicate' fell through, though it led to combinations and limited companies and limited companies. In 1890 the industry had expanded greatly, and the value of the Kidderminster carpet factories was established at ....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/744/146/Kidderminster-Carpet-Manufacturers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/744/146/Kidderminster-Carpet-Manufacturers.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:57:54 +0000 William Ward, 1st Earl of Dudley, was a prominent figure in Victorian England. This wealthy landowner and art enthusiast transformed Dudley House, the oldest surviving aristocratic mansion on London's Park Lane, into a masterpiece..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/743/146/William-Ward-1st-Earl-of-Dudley-1817-1885-Witley-Court-connection.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/743/146/William-Ward-1st-Earl-of-Dudley-1817-1885-Witley-Court-connection.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:30:14 +0000 The power looms were much larger than the old hand looms, being 17ft tall, and the old premises in Mill Street and Church Street were insufficient. In 1852, Messrs Humphries adopted power looms at their premises in New Road, but gradually, there was no capital for new factories...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/742/146/Room-Power-System-in-the-Carpet-Trade.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/742/146/Room-Power-System-in-the-Carpet-Trade.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:10:20 +0000 In the early 19th century the domestic system began to break down and the industry moved to the premises of manufacturers. By 1838, there were 24 employers and 4,016 weavers. The manufacturers were not very enterprising. They refused Whylock's patent for a new fabric called Tapestry, or printed Brussels.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/741/146/Power-Looms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/741/146/Power-Looms.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:29:30 +0000 In France, in 1801, Joseph Jacquard perfected a device which when adapted to the carpet loom revolutionized the weaving industry. It was a pattern-selecting series of punched cards, which when laced together and fed into the loom, produced the ....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/740/146/The-Jacquard-System.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/740/146/The-Jacquard-System.html Tue, 21 Jan 2025 09:40:58 +0000 Many of the early Kidderminster factories where cloth and carpets were made had once been the manufacturers back yard and garden - long narrow, rectangular plots of land, around three sides of which had been built dye-houses, stores, warehouses, and occasionally loom shops, though most loom shops were still scattered throughout the town and not collected into one factory. The forth side of the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/739/146/Early-Carpet-Works.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/739/146/Early-Carpet-Works.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:45:19 +0000 The carpet mills of Kidderminster clustered in the centre of the town, and scattered on its outskirts. Offices, warehouses and dye-houses lined the banks of the Stour. The carpet weavers worked in a small handloom shops in the town, and frequently some distance from the employer's office, and the raw materials were fetched from the warehouses to the loo-shop which was where most weavers... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/738/146/Kidderminster-Carpet-Manufacturers-in-1776.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/738/146/Kidderminster-Carpet-Manufacturers-in-1776.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:34:29 +0000 Oral tradition tells that John Brown travelled to Brussels, then to Tournai, where he persuaded a skilled weaver of Brussels carpets to return with him. Brown and the weaver secretly built a new loom in a house on Mount Skippet, but as they worked at night by candlelight, a spy paid by another manufacturer, watched night after night from the sky-light, and the new loom became common knowledge.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/737/146/A-Carpet-Spy-In-Kidderminster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/737/146/A-Carpet-Spy-In-Kidderminster.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:23:27 +0000 Carpets were first made in Kidderminster as one of the many new fabrics - cheyneys, rateens, etc., were introduced in the early 18th century to replace the old linsey-woolsey industry which was ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/736/146/The-First-Carpets-Kidderminster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/736/146/The-First-Carpets-Kidderminster.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:11:41 +0000 Kidderminster's history likely predates the Norman Conquest, with a name suggesting religious origins. By the time of the Domesday Book, it was a small market town with surrounding settlements. Throughout the medieval period, Kidderminster grew as a hub for both market trade and cloth weaving, the precursor to its later dominance in carpet manufacturing.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/735/146/Kidderminster-before-20th-Century.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/735/146/Kidderminster-before-20th-Century.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:58:58 +0000 Henry Lea had 66 looms in 1779 and employed yarn spinners in nearby towns. In each place he had an agent to whom he sent wool and from whom he collected homespun yarn. Comparatively few spinners were in Kidderminster. Possibly a shortage of female labour in Kidderminster and the concentration.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/734/146/First-Spinning-Mills.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/734/146/First-Spinning-Mills.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:41:56 +0000 Wool was spun on spinning wheels until in to the late 18th century, when spinning mills were built around Kidderminster, and later in the town itself. It was women's work, and done at home. At the beginning of the 18th century, the population of Kidderminster was nearly 4,000 with 500 looms .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/733/146/Kidderminster-Spinners.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/733/146/Kidderminster-Spinners.html Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:17:01 +0000 John Leland visited Kidderminster in 1559 and wrote: 'This towne standeth most by cloathinge'. Clothing manufacture in Worcestershire was limited to only five towns; Kidderminster, Evesham, Droiwich, Bromsgrove and Worcester. More than 300 years ago, a master weaver had few employees, often his family, and one loom at which he worked. The trade was controlled by the Society of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/731/146/Early-Kidderminster-Clothiers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/731/146/Early-Kidderminster-Clothiers.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 14:17:36 +0000 At the loss of the cloth trade Worcester looked for a new industry to take its place. It was thought that carpet weaving might fill the gap and for some time carpet weaving was considered set to form Worcester's most important industry... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/730/146/The-Worcester-Carpet-Trade.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/730/146/The-Worcester-Carpet-Trade.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:45:37 +0000 When Worcester was the principal seat of the English cloth manufactory, teasels were widely grown in the county, particularly in the clay districts of the south-east... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/729/146/The-Worcester-Cloth-Trade-Teasels.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/729/146/The-Worcester-Cloth-Trade-Teasels.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:33:27 +0000 The Clothier's Company Badge was a woolsack. In Copenhagen Street until about 1935 stood the ancient headquarters of the Clothiers and Wool Merchants ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/728/146/The-Clothiers-Company-Badge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/728/146/The-Clothiers-Company-Badge.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 13:29:17 +0000 The Clothiers of Worcester made a broadcloth which had a high reputation in Europe and the Middle East for centuries. It was a woolen cloth of fine open twill-weave fabric which had been milled, (fulled and slightly felted). The cloth was smooth, velvety and dense, suitable for garments where the cloth needs to hang well. It was made ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/727/146/The-Worcester-Broadcloth.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/727/146/The-Worcester-Broadcloth.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 12:44:15 +0000 At Worcester the cloth industry was organized so that each process had its own guild and craftsmen, with their own rules and regulations as to prices, wages and quality, number of looms, journeymen and apprentices, all to prevent injurious monopoly...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/726/146/How-Worcester-Lost-its-Cloth-Industry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/726/146/How-Worcester-Lost-its-Cloth-Industry.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 11:54:50 +0000 The Clothier's Company of Worcester was in existence in the 13th century, and was subsequently incorporated by Henry V111 and Queen Elizabeth. The later charter was dated 23rd September, 1590. The Company consisted of weavers, walkers and clothiers (a walker being a fuller), the process of fulling being performed by walking over the cloth. Leland, the historian at the time of Henry V111,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/725/146/The-Worcester-Cloth-Guild.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/725/146/The-Worcester-Cloth-Guild.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 10:38:58 +0000 Trade and commerce greatly developed in the 12th century. Town communities saw the need to control quality and prices, and craftsmen needed an organization to assist and protect their interests. The outcome was the Trade Guilds, sponsored and closely connected to the Church, their object being to maintain fair wages and prices, to control quality of the product and entry into the trade to... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/724/146/The-Trade-Guilds.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/724/146/The-Trade-Guilds.html Sat, 18 Jan 2025 10:29:50 +0000 Two English settlers, Daniel Gookin and John Eliot, settled among the native Indians on Packachoag Hill (which is now more or less in the middle of Worcester), and in 1674, Gookin ought bfrom the Indians a tact of land eight miles square, and paid for it 12 pounds of the lawful money of New England. In token of good faith, two Indians who... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/723/146/The-Founding-of-Worcester-Mass.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/723/146/The-Founding-of-Worcester-Mass.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:13:38 +0000 Worcester City and County contributed 14 persons to the founding of Pennsylvania, plus an unspecified number of children and servants. There were five Finchers, three Beardsleys, R.Toomer, George Mares, John Price, Seemerry Adams, Hannah Smith, and William Bronton of Dudley. This note deals mainly with Francis Fincher. There were four branches of the Fincher family in the county, at Shell,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/722/146/Worcester-Quakers-to-America.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/722/146/Worcester-Quakers-to-America.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:59:31 +0000 The tanning of hides is a very ancient trade, certainly pre-Roman. Leather was made by drying and salting hides. After the Norman Conquest oak bark was used on cattle skins, alum and oil on the skins of horses, deer and sheep. The Severn had many tanneries on its banks; Bewdley for instance had everything needed for tanning, droves of cattle from the Welsh borderline, oak... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/721/146/Methods-of-Tanning.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/721/146/Methods-of-Tanning.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:18:50 +0000 At an early date Curriers were ordered to work indoors and not to carry on their trade in the street, and there were penalties for creating nuisances when preparing skins. A local law clearly states that skins were previously dressed on the banks of the river was carried on ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/720/146/Skinners-and-Dressers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/720/146/Skinners-and-Dressers.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:07:32 +0000 Leather dressing for centuries was carried on in the Blockhouse Meadows at the Three Springs where there was ample water supply from the streams which there unite to form the Frogging Mill brook. It was run by the Bevington family, prominent in local affairs.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/719/146/The-Three-Springs-Leather-Works.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/719/146/The-Three-Springs-Leather-Works.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:01:07 +0000 John Dent was born in 1751, and served his apprenticeship with James Perkins, glover, and was given his Freedom to trade in Worcester in 1772. Shortly after this he married and had four children, John, Thomas, William and Benjamin. In 1792 he was living at 26 Sidbury, with his son Thomas until his death in 1811, and the business was continued by Thomas until his death in 1824. ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/718/146/John-William-Dent.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/718/146/John-William-Dent.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:04:14 +0000 In 1835 there were 82 glove manufacturers; 6 of whom were leather dressers, also 6 curriers, 9 leather dressers, 2 tanners, 4 dyers, and 11 stainers, a total of 39 preparing leather sellers..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/717/146/Statistics-of-Glovers-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/717/146/Statistics-of-Glovers-in-Worcester.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:44:19 +0000 Barbourne Leather Works originated in the late 1780s in St John's, and was a family concern of the Badgery's which went into the 6th, 7th, 8th, generations, but went into voluntary liquidation in 1956. The managing director and a nucleus of workers ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/716/146/Barbourne-Leather-Works.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/716/146/Barbourne-Leather-Works.html Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:35:50 +0000 Joseph Firkins succeeded to a glove business that had been started at the end of the 18th century, and while trading under the name of Joseph Firkins & Co did exclusive trade all over the country. An interesting reference in Berrows Worcester Journal of June 17, 1952, describes that in that ...,  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/715/146/Joseph-Firkins-Glover.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/715/146/Joseph-Firkins-Glover.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:30:59 +0000 St Martin's was the Glover's district. The present New Street and Friar Street, were originally one street, and until 1557 was Glovers Street, but in that year was renamed New Street. Considerable trade (gloving) was carried in the area including in Nash's House by John Redgrave, the Hawkes family in Lich Street, which later passed to the Sanders family by marriage, in... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/714/146/The-Glove-Trade-in-St-Martins-Ward-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/714/146/The-Glove-Trade-in-St-Martins-Ward-Worcester.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:20:30 +0000 In 1825, two leather dressers were imprisoned for supporting apprentices when a strike was on (Guildhall, Feb 9 1825)                                                 ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/713/146/Punishments-1825-Two-Leather-Dressers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/713/146/Punishments-1825-Two-Leather-Dressers.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:12:38 +0000 In 1810, Worcester tailors struck for a rise in wages, and 'An Impartial Observer' issued a handbill protesting against 'this daring combination' saying that men could earn £1 per week besides the enjoyment of 'Saint Monday', but they were .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/712/146/Combination-Saints-Days.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/712/146/Combination-Saints-Days.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:06:00 +0000 The Glovers Trade Union (for skilled workers) was founded in 1884, but was dissolved in 1904. Another Union Society continued to 1925, but the trade  situation had become worse .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/711/146/The-Glovers-Union.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/711/146/The-Glovers-Union.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:00:41 +0000 The ancient Guilds in the City were very strong. Their restrictions had driven the Cloth Trade out of the City; the carpe trade to Kidderminster, the needlers to Redditch, and was resisting combination moves in the gloving trade. In June 1807, the Master Glovers met to resist a combination of Grounders, Stoners, and White Leather Parers to obtain an advance in wages. 56 firms, including John... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/710/146/The-Various-Guilds.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/710/146/The-Various-Guilds.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:50:50 +0000 The Glover's Guild in existence in 1497 ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/709/146/The-Glove-Trade-Chronological-Dates-in-Worcester-in-Brief.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/709/146/The-Glove-Trade-Chronological-Dates-in-Worcester-in-Brief.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 14:17:39 +0000 No commentary on old Worcester can ignore the glove trade which here was very ancient. The first mention of a Glover's Guild dates back to 1497, but the trade existed in Worcester before that. Two Worcester glovers, Francis Fincher and Alexander Beardsley, were prominent Quakers who after much persecution sold all their possessions and emigrated in 1683 with several other local Quakers,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/708/146/The-Glove-Trade.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/708/146/The-Glove-Trade.html Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:01:18 +0000 Worcester City employed a Crier who carries a silver topped staff, and walks a pace or two ahead of the mace-bearers when the Mayor and Corporation process. However, it is many a day since his traditional cries were last heard in the streets of Worcester... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/707/146/The-Town-Criers-Calls-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/707/146/The-Town-Criers-Calls-at-Worcester.html Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:02:45 +0100 Charles Priday was born in Quedgeley in Gloucester in 1839, the only son of Richard Priday & Pamela Priday (nee Heaven) . Richard Priday was the son of William & Elizabeth Priday and through one of Richard's brothers Charles the boat builder was related to Charles Priday - the Priday Metford Mill owner in Gloucester Docks.       ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/706/146/The-Priday-Family-of-Gloucester-the-Castle-Line-Steamers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/706/146/The-Priday-Family-of-Gloucester-the-Castle-Line-Steamers.html Wed, 24 Apr 2024 13:36:13 +0100 The greatest of the county matches, and one of the greatest prize fights of all times, took place on Pitchcroft on January 7, 1823; when Tom Springs and Paddy Langan fought for the Championship of England. ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/705/146/The-Spring-Langan-Championship-Fight-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/705/146/The-Spring-Langan-Championship-Fight-at-Worcester.html Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:34:53 +0100 On the Worcester New Road ground you cannot get away from the Cathedral, The great clock-bell booms. There were occasions when the match is in progress, when the great peal of twelve bells rang out, the very ground seems to vibrate. Every three hours the chimes rang out in tumult of joy and daily blessing. There were seven barrels to the great music box, with a variety of 48 tunes to delight... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/704/146/Cathedral-Chimes-County-Cricket-Cricket-Interruptions-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/704/146/Cathedral-Chimes-County-Cricket-Cricket-Interruptions-at-Worcester.html Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:09:54 +0100 Mr. Herbert Jenner who played in the first Oxford v Cambridge match in 1827, tole the following story of a 'demon bowler' when he kept wicket: 'The bowler sent down a ball which broke the ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/703/146/A-Tall-Cricket-Story.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/703/146/A-Tall-Cricket-Story.html Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:00:58 +0100 W.G. Grace made his first appearance in the Midlands at the age of 20, and though only 20, he was easily the greatest cricketer in the country. The occasion was at the Boughton Cricket Ground, Worcester, in 1870, with a Worcestershire 22, and the United South of England eleven. The home team won by 57 runs, which fields..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/702/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground-W.G-Grace-R.E.Foster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/702/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground-W.G-Grace-R.E.Foster.html Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:07:33 +0100 On the high ground overlooking the Severn in Henwick Road, just north of the Dog and Duck Ferry, were the Porto Bello Gardens, pleasure gardens open to the public. There was a fine view from the 18th- century house to the cathedral and it was a very popular place with the young bloods of the city. In Regency days the gardens were famous and an enthusiastic writer of the time described them as... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/701/146/The-Porto-Bello-Gardens-the-Dog-and-Duck.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/701/146/The-Porto-Bello-Gardens-the-Dog-and-Duck.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:52:28 +0000 The River Severn which separates St.John's from the rest of Worcester has played a crucial part in the beginning's and developments of the city. Its tidal bore enabled Worcester to flourish as an inland port and up until about 180 years ago this great waterway - once known as 'The King's high stream of Severn'- was alive with commercial traffic. Only the coming of the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/700/146/The-Severn-StormsFloods-and-Periwinkles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/700/146/The-Severn-StormsFloods-and-Periwinkles.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:40:39 +0000 The Holy Well at Henwick was an exceptionally fine spring which in medieval times had been piped to the cathedral and which the prior had used in the baths he had erected for the monks on Holywell Hill (in return for the transference of St. John's tolls to the Worcester bailiff in 1461) The water was credited with possessing curative properties for the eyes, and was extensively used for... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/699/146/The-Holy-Well-Comer-Gardens.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/699/146/The-Holy-Well-Comer-Gardens.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 14:08:44 +0000 I.D.Margary in 'Roman Roads in Britain' describes this road as follows;  'It seems clear that a direct road to Gloucester through Droitwich and Worcester branched from Ryknild Street to the south of Birmingham, near the alignment angle by Selly Park. Its course is at first represented by the main road through Bournville and Longbridge, now a ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/698/146/The-Roman-Road-from-Birmingham-to-Worcester-In-days-gone-by-before-Motorway-Cnstructions.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/698/146/The-Roman-Road-from-Birmingham-to-Worcester-In-days-gone-by-before-Motorway-Cnstructions.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:45:34 +0000 This was the great artery of the Roman military system in the west, and touched the County only at the outlying 'island' part of the Hundred of Oswaldslow, near Shipston on Stour. Because of the changes in the County boundaries, this has now sadly been lost to us.                     ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/697/146/The-Foss-Way.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/697/146/The-Foss-Way.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:37:10 +0000 Roman roads were once thought to be of two kinds, Streets which were paved with granite sets, and Ways which were unpaved, but archaeological evidence does not bear this out. They were however, all constructed of several layers which raised the road surface well above the level of the surrounding land, forming a causeway known as an agger. The usual road for the passage of two vehicles... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/696/146/The-Making-of-A-Roman-Road.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/696/146/The-Making-of-A-Roman-Road.html Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:58:22 +0000 The Britannia Brewery stood almost opposite Paradise Row. It later became Spreckley's Brewery. It was started by a Mr. Joseph in early Victorian times, but at first, Worcester did not take to large scale brewing, being content with home-brewed ale.But times were changing . Breweries began buying up public houses, which became..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/695/146/The-Britannia-Brewery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/695/146/The-Britannia-Brewery.html Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:39:53 +0100 St George's Chapel or Claine's St. George's was built in Barbourne where, say's Noake in 1848, 'within recent memory, children gathered buttercups and daisies, and rioted in the tall grass'. The need for such a chapel was expressed by the minister of Claines, for the .......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/694/146/St-Georges-Chapel-of-Ease.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/694/146/St-Georges-Chapel-of-Ease.html Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:26:30 +0100 In the 1850's, Barbourne Terrace was a medley of Georgian villas and gravel pits. In the late 1850's one especially good house was built in Barbourne Terrace for Thomas Chalk by Henry Day. Henry Day loved towers, and this particular building is of ...........  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/693/146/Barbourne-Terrace.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/693/146/Barbourne-Terrace.html Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:16:29 +0100 The area west of Bilford Road belonged to the Blanket family until the close of the War of the Roses, when for five generations it was in possession of the Freres. After the late Elizabethan period it was passed through ......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/692/146/The-Blanquets.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/692/146/The-Blanquets.html Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:06:01 +0100 Worcester Regatta 1845  - Worcester Evening News 20-05-95 One of the more remarkable 'matchings' at the first ever Worcester Regatta over 150 years ago was when the crew from the then tiny village of Kempsey was drawn against Oxford University ! The David and Goliath clash did not, for some unaccountable reason, actually take place though Oxford rowed later at the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/691/146/Worcester-Regatta-1845.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/691/146/Worcester-Regatta-1845.html Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:14:10 +0100 The year 1896 was Emancipation Day, and the London to Brighton run was organized. For some time expectations had risen, though doubts continued in the local press. The Worcestershire Advertiser of April 4, 1896, commented, 'In anticipation of removal of restrictions upon horseless carriages, manufacturers are busy ........... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/690/146/The-Removal-of-Restrictions-on-Motor-Cars.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/690/146/The-Removal-of-Restrictions-on-Motor-Cars.html Sat, 27 May 2023 13:33:19 +0100 A.E.Cleggs started this family-run business in 1929, which was sited on the village green in Hallow. The business moved in 1937 to a more suitable location in Hallow and became Vauxhall dealers in the late 1950s......   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/689/146/Family-Run-Firm-On-The-Right-Track.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/689/146/Family-Run-Firm-On-The-Right-Track.html Sat, 27 May 2023 13:17:51 +0100 A new ease of travel was brought about by the internal combustion engine. The date of the above Country Life adverts, 1901, was still the age of the bicycle, and Humbers could use the slogan, 'The Kings of Europe Ride the Kings of Cycles' Cars had started to appear in 1898, and advertisements were often novel ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/688/146/Advert-The-Conflict-of-the-Horse-and-the-Horseless-Carriage.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/688/146/Advert-The-Conflict-of-the-Horse-and-the-Horseless-Carriage.html Sat, 27 May 2023 11:37:50 +0100 The notorious Red Flag Act of 1865 had imposed speed limits of 4 m.p.h in the country, and 2 m.p.h in the towns, and required all 'road locomotives' to be attended by at least three persons, one of whom was to .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/687/146/Early-Restrictions-on-Mechanical-Vehicles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/687/146/Early-Restrictions-on-Mechanical-Vehicles.html Sat, 27 May 2023 10:52:01 +0100 John Tangye, of Stourbridge and Birmingham, was the first man to drive across Dartmoor in a car... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/686/146/Motorist-Chased-with-Whips.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/686/146/Motorist-Chased-with-Whips.html Fri, 26 May 2023 21:06:33 +0100 In Britain the pioneers of mechanical road vehicles had made an excellent start in the 1830s, but after the Locomotive Act of 1865, British engineers lost ground. There were two main reasons for this, Parliament was filled with landowners who were horse-orientated, and viewed the presence of mechanical vehicles on the roads as a nuisance and.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/685/146/The-Horseless-Carriage.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/685/146/The-Horseless-Carriage.html Fri, 26 May 2023 20:34:09 +0100 The first motor vehicle to reach the top of the Worcestershire Beacon, Malvern. The Hon .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/684/146/The-first-Motor-Vehicle-to-Reach-the-Top-of-the-Worcestershire-Beacon-Malvern.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/684/146/The-first-Motor-Vehicle-to-Reach-the-Top-of-the-Worcestershire-Beacon-Malvern.html Fri, 26 May 2023 20:21:22 +0100 In 1926, the Corporation of Worcester obtained an Act of Parliament authorising it to purchase the tramways as a going concern, and leased the undertaking to the Birmingham and ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/683/146/The-End-of-the-Tramway-Service-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/683/146/The-End-of-the-Tramway-Service-in-Worcester.html Fri, 26 May 2023 20:08:36 +0100 In 1914, the combined tram, bus and motor-coach routes were 65 miles. The weekly milage covered was 8,250 and the number of passengers carried was put at 60,000 per week, or three million per annum, and the .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/682/146/The-Company-in-1914.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/682/146/The-Company-in-1914.html Fri, 26 May 2023 20:02:40 +0100 Another innovation was the Tramway Parcel Express in 1907. Instead of one or two deliveries each day, parcels were dispatched by each car and bus. Parcels left at various agencies en-route were delivered to a Half-mile radius from the agency. Parcels weighing 14lbs were delivered for 2d, 28lbs for 3d, 42lbs for 4d and 56lb for 5d, with an ...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/681/146/Further-Innovations.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/681/146/Further-Innovations.html Fri, 26 May 2023 19:51:37 +0100 With electrification came the rebuilding of the horse-tram depot in St. John's, and a reduction in fares. The fare on the horse-tram was two pence (2d). for any journey, and it took 15 minutes to go half a mile. Fairbairn reduced the fares to one and half pence, and later brought in a general penny fare. In 1908, a special ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/680/146/Reduction-in-Fares.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/680/146/Reduction-in-Fares.html Fri, 26 May 2023 19:38:57 +0100 In 1898, the British Electric Traction Company acquired a controlling interest in the Horse-Tramway Service, Service, which became 'The Worcester Electric Traction Co. Ltd, and sought powers to electrify the tramways. For three or four years the matter was discussed at stormy meetings...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/679/146/The-Worcester-Electric-Tramway-System-Part-1.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/679/146/The-Worcester-Electric-Tramway-System-Part-1.html Fri, 26 May 2023 18:57:59 +0100 The first system of public transport for the City of Worcester was the establishment of a Horse-Tramway Service in 1881. It covered a distance of three-and-half miles on two routes. (1). From the Portobello Inn, Bransford Road, to ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/678/146/The-Worcester-Horse-Tram-Service.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/678/146/The-Worcester-Horse-Tram-Service.html Fri, 26 May 2023 18:24:57 +0100 The public had to be persuaded that coaches were safe, and innkeepers advertised their new road carriages as 'flying machines', or if it had windows, as 'glass machines'. The first Worcester Flying Coach set off from Crown Inn, Broad Street, on June 11, 1733, for London. Passengers paid 25 shillings each, and ....... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/677/146/Flying-Machines-Glass-Machines-God-Willing.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/677/146/Flying-Machines-Glass-Machines-God-Willing.html Fri, 26 May 2023 18:12:59 +0100 The roads in the 17th century were unbelievably bad, and for most of the 18th century they were in a worse state than had ever existed before. No new roads had been made since Roman times, and the existing roads were full of holes, sometimes......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/676/146/The-State-of-the-Roads.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/676/146/The-State-of-the-Roads.html Fri, 26 May 2023 17:31:42 +0100 The first mention of a stage coach in Worcester was in 1674, when the City officers escorted Quaker Fox, who was under arrest, to London. By 1758, stage coached from Worcester to London had become well established, and in the ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/675/146/The-First-Stage-Coach-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/675/146/The-First-Stage-Coach-in-Worcester.html Fri, 26 May 2023 17:24:47 +0100 The First Public Transport The first means of public transport in England came in the 17th century. Baggage wagons were used by the King and military forces in medieval times, where the roads permitted, but it was not until Elizabeth 1's reign that ........... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/674/146/A-Survey-of-Public-Transport-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/674/146/A-Survey-of-Public-Transport-in-Worcester.html Fri, 26 May 2023 15:30:00 +0100 Between 1860 and the early years of the present century large numbers of new vessels were built for the salt trade. They were known among the Severn trowmen as 'Wich Barges', the name being an abbreviation of Droitwich. They did .........   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/673/146/Salt-Trows-or-Wich-Barges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/673/146/Salt-Trows-or-Wich-Barges.html Fri, 26 May 2023 14:44:25 +0100 The Church Courts exercised great power over rural life until 1860. They dealt not only with church affairs, but with matters affecting the whole life - marriage, -slander, drunkenness, schools, witchcraft, trading on Sundays and failing to observe Holy Days. Offenders were brought to the notice of the Church Court by a presentment made by the churchwarden, and the Court possessed the power of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/672/146/Church-Courts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/672/146/Church-Courts.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:22:40 +0000 Sir Thomas Phillips of Broadway. 'The worlds greatest book collector' In 1843, Sir Thomas, himself a magistrate, was fined at the local sessions for assaulting a tax collector. Shortly afterwards he was invited to appear in an engraved portrait group of Worcestershire Magistrates, by Richard Dighton. He wrote.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/671/146/An-Eccentric-Magistrates.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/671/146/An-Eccentric-Magistrates.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:38:51 +0000 The chief agents of local government were the Justices of the Peace. They were unpaid, local gentlemen with considerable power and position. They dealt with all aspects of daily life, from crime and its punishment, through the endless disputes over poor relief, bastardy, unlawful gaming and drunkenness, to the licensing of  alehouses and the state roads and bridges. From Tudor times... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/670/146/The-Justices-of-the-Peace.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/670/146/The-Justices-of-the-Peace.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:16:27 +0000 The top hat and swallowed-tail jacket were disregarded in favour of a helmet and tunic like those worn today. Re-equipment started in 1864, but not completed until the following year. The original uniform was chosen to be as ....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/669/146/Changes-in-Police-Uniform.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/669/146/Changes-in-Police-Uniform.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:08:06 +0000 In 1838, the old Militia Depot on the corner of Queen Street and St Nicholas Street was converted into a proper police headquarters. It had police hoses for an inspector and a constable, but parts were let out to tradesmen as a warehouse. There was little sanitary arrangements, and not until the second Cholera scare in 1849 were water closets erected in the depot. It appears that County... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/667/146/Queen-Street-Police-Station.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/667/146/Queen-Street-Police-Station.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:25:07 +0000 Under the Worcester Improvement Act of 1823, which dealt with the lighting, paving and watching of the City, eight watchmen were appointed to work in parishes, all operating from the Watch House which was adjoined to City Gaol in Union Street, under the direction of the Gaol Governor, William Griffiths, who regarded his post...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/664/146/The-First-Police-Force.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/664/146/The-First-Police-Force.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:25:17 +0000 That some attempt was made to clear the City of undesirables is shown in a report of 1822: 'Police made a raid at an early hour and visited certain obscure lodging houses in the City, and apprehended ....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/663/146/Police-Raid-in-1822.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/663/146/Police-Raid-in-1822.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:03:27 +0000 In most towns, night-man, known as 'Charlies', with warning rattles, kept an effective watch. They were often old, and always poorly paid, and there were complaints that when trouble started they were quick to avoid it and go to the other way. In rural districts the public ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/662/146/The-Watch-or-Charlies-the-Lambs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/662/146/The-Watch-or-Charlies-the-Lambs.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:55:51 +0000 Crime in the first half of the 19th century was a very grave problem. The Watch, though called the Police, consisted of parish constables under the occasional direction of a magistrate. There was no police force in the modern sense of the word until the 1830s, and crime most went unpunished. The authorities.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/661/146/The-Police-The-Beginnings.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/661/146/The-Police-The-Beginnings.html Mon, 20 Feb 2023 08:25:41 +0000 It is recorded in the registers of Rushock Church of 1660, that Joan Bibb, at the instigation of the person, The Rev. William Shaw, was ordered to be tried and thrown into a pond as a witch, to prove... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/658/146/Rushock-Witch-Trial-1660.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/658/146/Rushock-Witch-Trial-1660.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:07:01 +0000 Perhaps the most remarkable local survival of 'legal custom' was at Red Marley D'Abitot, a Worcestershire village before its transfer to Gloucestershire. William Lygon, the first Earl Beauchamp, was riding through his constituency in the 1820s, when he ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/656/146/Trial-By-Water.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/656/146/Trial-By-Water.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:55:02 +0000 The legal power of the Judge was great, and some let this be known clearly, Judge Hawkins, for instance was a tyrant in his court, and always refused to have any window open. The Mayor of Worcester was visibly...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/654/146/A-Tyrant-Judge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/654/146/A-Tyrant-Judge.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:45:24 +0000 With the passing of the Courts Act of 1971, a form of justice which had existed for some 800 years, came to an end with the abolition of the Assizes. Usually twice a year, the Queen's Judge's set out from London and took the ......  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/652/146/The-Arrival-of-the-Judge-of-Assize-Mrs-Henry-Woods-The-Channings.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/652/146/The-Arrival-of-the-Judge-of-Assize-Mrs-Henry-Woods-The-Channings.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:11:06 +0000 With the passing of the Courts Act of 1971, a form of justice which had existed for some 800 years, came to an end with the abolition of the Assizes. Usually twice a year, the Queen's Judge's set out from London and took the ......  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/653/146/The-Arrival-of-the-Judge-of-Assize.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/653/146/The-Arrival-of-the-Judge-of-Assize.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:11:06 +0000 Version of the escape published in Berrows Worcester Journal 31.3.1951 which reads as follows: 'On one occasion a prisoner escaped from the prison. He climbed down from his cell by means of a rope of knotted blankets, and broke into the Governor's house and stole some of his silver. Years after, my grandfather met the man again, and got the whole story out of him...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/651/146/Escape-from-the-City-Gaol.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/651/146/Escape-from-the-City-Gaol.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:39:29 +0000 At the Hundred House at Great Witley there is still a Justices Room, for the inn occupied the site of the Hundred Courts of Doddingtree. It was built by Lord Foley, and was first used as a magistrates court in 1790. It was last used as such in 1872. The old cells under the building were later used a s a weigh-bridge. At Cutnall Green......  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/650/146/Courts-at-the-Hundred-House-at-Cutnall-Green.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/650/146/Courts-at-the-Hundred-House-at-Cutnall-Green.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:50:41 +0000 Before 1835 the parish of St. Michael's was out of the City's boundaries and jurisdiction. Both the Talbot and the Hare & Hounds were widely  used for County business, having all the amenities of the town, but officially out of it. The holding of the unreformed Court at the ......  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/649/146/Worcestershire-County-Court-held-College-St.-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/649/146/Worcestershire-County-Court-held-College-St.-Inns.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:29:48 +0000 Customs varied from Manor to Manor, and in some cases, the heir may not have been the eldest son. When this was so, the custom was known as 'Borough English', which was based on the ancient law of Mercheta, which gave to the Lord of the Manor, what was known as.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/648/146/The-Custom-of-Borough-English.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/648/146/The-Custom-of-Borough-English.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:19:00 +0000 The Worcester Court of Common Pleas had its origin as long ago as 1554. The original charter of Philip and Mary gave the Court cognizance of all pleas whatsoever, and constituted a Court of Record to be held weekly. Also, a charter of James 1 provided for 'all manner of pleas', actions, suits and demands, as well ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/647/146/The-Worcester-Court-of-Common-Pleas.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/647/146/The-Worcester-Court-of-Common-Pleas.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 11:07:14 +0000 The practice of the gaoler selling drinks ceased with the building of the new Guildhall, and led to the Justices of the Peace adjoining to a nearby inn. The King's Head and the Golden Lion in High Street was widely used, but for the County Justices there was convenience in dealing with the minor cases at the Talbot Inn in the Cathedral precincts. Until 1835, the Cathedral area was outside... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/646/146/Courts-held-at-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/646/146/Courts-held-at-Inns.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:46:24 +0000 For centuries, the Courts of Justice were held at the Town Hall, At Worcester, it was long been called the Guildhall. The original Hall was a timber-framed building with the body of the Hall open to the roof, with the Courts of Justice at opposite ends of the Hall, facing each other. Adjoining one of the Courts was the Gaoler's house, who was allowed to sell liquors to such of the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/645/146/Courts-Judges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/645/146/Courts-Judges.html Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:17:34 +0000 Plan of the New Worcester Bridge looking from South side.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/644/146/Plan-of-Worcesters-Bridge-from-South-Side.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/644/146/Plan-of-Worcesters-Bridge-from-South-Side.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:51:49 +0000 Sketch's of Bridges on the Severn - From below Upton-On-Severn to Gloucester  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/643/146/Sketch-Drawings-of-the-Bridges-on-the-Severn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/643/146/Sketch-Drawings-of-the-Bridges-on-the-Severn.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 15:23:44 +0000 At the place where the first iron bridge was built, what better memorial than to erect an iron foot bridge as a war memorial. It spans the Severn between the villagers of Jackfield and Coalport. It has an iron plate at each end reminding walkers.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/642/146/A-Practical-Remembrance-at-Ironbridge-Gorge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/642/146/A-Practical-Remembrance-at-Ironbridge-Gorge.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:28:28 +0000 There was considerable building, or rebuilding of county bridges, some of stone, during this period. In the Quarter Sessions records from 1599 to 1642 (before the Civil War). In the Quarter Sessions records from...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/641/146/County-Bridges-in-Tudor-Stuart-Periods.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/641/146/County-Bridges-in-Tudor-Stuart-Periods.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:49 +0000 The Old Welsh Bridge at Shrewsbury, by Paul Sandby, c.1778    https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/640/146/The-Old-Welsh-Bridge-at-Shrewsbury-by-Paul-Sandby-c.1778.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/640/146/The-Old-Welsh-Bridge-at-Shrewsbury-by-Paul-Sandby-c.1778.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:09:05 +0000 The destruction of many of Worcestershire's ancient bridges in the first half of last century on the grounds  that they were not suited to modern traffic, has been disastrous. Many were of great historical interest, and of great beauty, but the County authority, whose duty it was to maintain them, have in the past been induced either to destroy them and build a new bridge, or to... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/639/146/An-Introduction-to-Worcestershires-Historic-Bridges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/639/146/An-Introduction-to-Worcestershires-Historic-Bridges.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 12:04:24 +0000 There was considerable iron-smelting at Worcester in Roman times, and it is most probable that a bridge existed across the River Severn to enable fuel and iron-cre from the western bank to reach the bloomery hearths on the east side. When the rail bridge at Worcester was being built in 1860, great stumps of ancient timbers were taken from the bed of the river. They could have been the remains... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/638/146/Roman-Bridges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/638/146/Roman-Bridges.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:29:27 +0000 Originally there were no bridges, and the streams and rivers were crossed by fords and ferries. The danger of crossing in floods, or at night, and the inconvenience of waiting for the ferry led to the building of bridges. At first a crossing was by ....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/637/146/The-First-Bridges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/637/146/The-First-Bridges.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:19:39 +0000 The manor house of Timberdine, a half-timbered building erected by the Mitton's over 300 years ago, lies almost opposite the Ketch Inn. The building today is partially late 19th century, and has been converted into a restaurant.  The ancient priory manor had been a key position at the battle of Worcester, extending from Duck Brook as far as the Ketch Ford....   ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/636/146/Joseph-Berwick-Timberdine.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/636/146/Joseph-Berwick-Timberdine.html Thu, 16 Feb 2023 09:01:59 +0000 The Severn Tunnel between New Passage and Portskewett carries the railway under the estuary and forms the most direct railway route between the south of England and South Wales. The tunnel was completed  in 1886 at a cost of £2 million after many difficulties from flooding. It is the longest.......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/635/146/River-Crossings.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/635/146/River-Crossings.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:12:07 +0000 Generally clean in quality, the Severn is a salmon river and also supports almost every kind of freshwater fish found in British rivers, including trout and barbel. The tidal waters of the river...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/634/146/Fisheries.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/634/146/Fisheries.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:03:18 +0000 For centuries the Severn was the most important river for traffic to and from the West Midlands. It was almost certainly used by the Romans for trading purposes. An Act of Parliament in 1430 ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/633/146/Navigation.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/633/146/Navigation.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:44:10 +0000 The Severn Basin is irregular in shape, its topography and geology show great variety. Several geological systems are represented in the cathment area of the river.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/632/146/Topography-Rainfall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/632/146/Topography-Rainfall.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:32:28 +0000 The Severn is subject to large and rapid rises in water level. On the lower reaches of the non-tidal part of the river, the rise occasioned by flood is often of the order of 20 feet, while the maximum tidal variation at Avonmouth can be 48 feet. This is greater than that of any other river in the British Isles and is exceeded only in one other place in the world the Bay of Fundy in Canada.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/631/146/River-Severn-Levels.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/631/146/River-Severn-Levels.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 19:00:53 +0000 The River Severn is a clean, fast-flowing river set in a pastoral background of picturesque countryside and rolling hills. The name Severn is said to have been derived from Sabrina, a tragic water nymph reputed to have been drowned in its waters. In its upper reaches of Powy's, it is sometimes known as the Hafren.....       https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/630/146/The-River-Severn-Information-supplied-By-Severn-Trent-late-1980s.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/630/146/The-River-Severn-Information-supplied-By-Severn-Trent-late-1980s.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:17:14 +0000 Following a simple enquiry from Canada in 1999, regarding a family by the name of Sanders living in Lich (Leech) Street in the early 1800's resulted in a twenty year intense research by Pam Hinks & CASP (Canadian Adaptions of Shakespeare Project)...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/628/146/The-Face-of-William-Shakespeare.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/628/146/The-Face-of-William-Shakespeare.html Wed, 15 Feb 2023 15:20:57 +0000 Most of the railway companies had their origins in the desire of country people to get access to London. By 1845, no fewer than 36 railway schemes were projected in Worcestershire, and 13 of them affected the City. Six only received legislative sanction. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/627/146/The-Railway-comes-to-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/627/146/The-Railway-comes-to-Worcester.html Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:05:41 +0000 In the farmyard of Lower Wick Manor Hose, (also known as Bennetts Dairy), is an ancient building of red sandstone, and some architectural merit, but which has long used as a farm building... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/626/146/St.-Cuthberts-and-Lower-Wick.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/626/146/St.-Cuthberts-and-Lower-Wick.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 23:41:39 +0100 The only reference to a ferry at this point, known to the present day, is one by Mrs. Berkeley, who in 1924, wrote of a waterside inn called the Hanley Quay, as follows:.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/625/146/Hanley-Quay-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/625/146/Hanley-Quay-Ferry.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 19:41:41 +0100 In 1791, a Cameron (of Worcester) became tenant of the ferry with the public house adjoining. The license for the pub was granted in 1564. There was no bridge between Glos. and Upton and this was the..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/624/146/Upper-Lode-Ferry-Inn..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/624/146/Upper-Lode-Ferry-Inn..html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 18:34:38 +0100 Twyning Fleet Inn Ferry 'There is a ferry attached to this hotel which lands on the Bredon side, on which a rate is levied. The ferry right was granted by charter in 17c, and up until 1923 it was a distinct advantage to the house, but due to changes in transport'    https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/623/146/Twyning-Fleet-Inn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/623/146/Twyning-Fleet-Inn.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 18:14:19 +0100 Ripple 'Lock-Stake' was the dividing line in regulations applicable to .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/622/146/Ripple-Lock-Stake.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/622/146/Ripple-Lock-Stake.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 18:12:01 +0100 This was the last of the Severn ferries in Worcestershire. In the hamlet of Uckinghall, the battered stump of a medieval wayside cross still stands to direct travellers to the river crossing here...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/621/146/Uckinghall-Ferry-Ripple.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/621/146/Uckinghall-Ferry-Ripple.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 18:06:52 +0100 The ferry here dates back many centuries, though the name 'Saxon' is said to have been the name of a distant ferryman. There is still a well-defined road leading to the crossing on the east bank from Stratford..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/620/146/Saxons-Lode-Ferry-Ripple.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/620/146/Saxons-Lode-Ferry-Ripple.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 17:59:03 +0100 The crossing at Upton-on-Severn is on the ancient and very important route from the Welsh border to the Avon Valley, by way of the Hollybush Pass, at the south end of the Malvern Hills. It was a route long used, back in medieval times, by the drovers of Welsh cattle and sheep to English markets. The medieval ferry was .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/619/146/The-Crossing-at-Upton-On-Severn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/619/146/The-Crossing-at-Upton-On-Severn.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 11:59:28 +0100 The name Rydd comes from the Welsh word rhyd, meaning a ford or ferry, and the ford here is thought to have been one of the principal crossings of the Severn on prehistoric times, on the route to the hill camps at Malvern Hills. From Malvern there are two very good roads converging  at Rydd Green, Both wre used by Drovers from Wales. The Guarlford road, especially, is a 'classic... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/618/146/The-Rhydd-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/618/146/The-Rhydd-Ferry.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 11:45:29 +0100 Long before there were bridges there were ferries, and in days long gone, landowners, ecclesiastical and municipal authorities maintained the crossings of the river. In days when labour was cheap, the ferries were a valuable source of income not only for the ferryman, who paid for his right to ply the crossing, but for the owners as well. For centuries ferries had an important place in the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/617/146/Introduction-Worcestershire-Bridges-and-Ferries.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/617/146/Introduction-Worcestershire-Bridges-and-Ferries.html Sat, 30 Oct 2021 11:06:27 +0100 Charlton House, three miles from Evesham, was formerly the property of the Dineley family, and saw the commencement of the bitter family fued between Sir John Dineley Goodere and his...                                   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/616/146/The-Charlton-House-Ghost.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/616/146/The-Charlton-House-Ghost.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 18:00:32 +0100 The Rev. W.H. Shawcross of Bretforton gave this recipe;..   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/615/146/How-to-Exorcise-a-Ghost.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/615/146/How-to-Exorcise-a-Ghost.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:55:41 +0100 T hese sometimes have strange names in the Vale of Evesham. Spot Loggins is a local name... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/614/146/Outdoor-Ghosts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/614/146/Outdoor-Ghosts.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:48:02 +0100 Mrs. l. M. Hopkins, who lived at Prior's Court, Callow End, 9March 1956), asked a Valuation Court that her rates be reduced because a ghost known as the Grey Lady is causing staff trouble... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/613/146/Cut-Rates-Weve-a-Ghost.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/613/146/Cut-Rates-Weve-a-Ghost.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:34:51 +0100 A contemporary account (January 1899) goes as follows: 'At Cropthorne, a beautiful place stands vacant because successive owners have found it impossible to keep servants there. A booted something enters at the front door, crosses the hall, ascends... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/612/146/Cropthorne-and-Hinton-Ghosts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/612/146/Cropthorne-and-Hinton-Ghosts.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:11:17 +0100 Longfellow, who was saturated in thought and sentiment of New England, wrote: ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/611/146/Ghosts-and-Goblins.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/611/146/Ghosts-and-Goblins.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 17:03:11 +0100 Folk lore gives insight into generations of our ancestors, including forgotten religious rites long abandoned, and before the nature of diseases was understood, most believed in herbs and charms... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/610/146/Folk-lore-gives-insight-into-Generations.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/610/146/Folk-lore-gives-insight-into-Generations.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 16:04:18 +0100 The mandrake plant has from the earliest times been associated with magical powers. It was believed that this 'semi-human' plant shrieked when pulled from the ground, a belief recorded by William Shakespeare in Romeo and Juliet; ' And shrieks like mandrakes torn out of the earth, that living mortals, hearing them, run mad'. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/609/146/The-Mandrake-Root.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/609/146/The-Mandrake-Root.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 15:38:02 +0100 About 1647, Mr. Rowland Barlett's house at Castlemorton was plundered during his absence at Ledbury Fair, and among the money, plate and jewels they carried away was a 'cock-eagle stone', a variety of ergillaceous oxide of iron, then much valued by phsicians on... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/608/146/Cock-Eagle-Stone.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/608/146/Cock-Eagle-Stone.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 14:47:45 +0100 1601 Charge brought against John Genifer for threatening others and calling a 'poor wife' a witch 1633 Widow Bellett of Stony Morton, charged 'for practicing the evil art'.  1660 Elinor Burt taken before magistrate, for taking on herself to cure several diseases and distempers by prayers and laying on her hands upon heads and... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/607/146/Witchcraft-Misc-17th-century-dtes.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/607/146/Witchcraft-Misc-17th-century-dtes.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:26:03 +0100 At Pebworth, about 1850, there was a White Witch, who had the power of curing by incantation. She is remembered for two cures, one for .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/606/146/The-Pebworth-White-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/606/146/The-Pebworth-White-Witch.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:15:21 +0100 In the mid-19th century, half the inhabitants of Britain believed in witches, especailly in remote rural areas, but even in the Industrial Black Country many still... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/605/146/The-Stourbridge-Witch-Case.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/605/146/The-Stourbridge-Witch-Case.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 13:08:12 +0100 The ability of a witch to turn herself into another creature is told in the story of the hunting of Dame Cofield of Leigh. John Spooner of Hopton Court, Leigh, kept a pack of hounds, which.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/604/146/The-Hunting-of-Dame-Cofield.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/604/146/The-Hunting-of-Dame-Cofield.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 12:21:08 +0100 The difference in the practice of charms and of curses is shown in two notable Honeybourne characters. The beneficient activities of the White Witch were mainly in the...  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/603/146/The-White-Witch-Black-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/603/146/The-White-Witch-Black-Witch.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 11:32:41 +0100 'Witchfinders' were long on the public payroll. Undoubtedly, torture of one sort or another was used sort or another.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/602/146/Witchfinders.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/602/146/Witchfinders.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 10:35:22 +0100 'Walk out across the marsh when the water is out and the twilight falling and the wind leaping through the red boughs of the willow, and the rooks flying homeward through  the drifting rain, see the watery shaft of sunlight gleam on the flooded meadows, and the broad foundation of the rainbow spring from the veiled and distant hills - faeryland does not.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/601/146/Faeryland-Fairyland.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/601/146/Faeryland-Fairyland.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:54:32 +0100 Edward C. Corbett was a solicitor who gave up his practice to travel rough around the world. He had a flair for languages and in the period after the 1914-18 War travelled as a overseas representative for Lea & Perrins promoting Worcestershire Sauce. At a time when .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/600/146/Edward-.-Corbett-and-the-Telling-of-Folk-Tales.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/600/146/Edward-.-Corbett-and-the-Telling-of-Folk-Tales.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:32:08 +0100 Folklore is the study of beliefs and practices once firmly held. Few now believe in charms, in giants and fairies, but less than a century ago people in lonely places believed in them In Worcestershire and  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/599/146/Folklore.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/599/146/Folklore.html Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:17:33 +0100 The City has had a number of gaols including near the Trinity Gate/Queen Street, first known record is dated 1540, which was one of the smaller gateways within the City wall and had a Gaol Tower, is was a postern gate leading from the City towards....   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/598/146/The-City-Gaol.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/598/146/The-City-Gaol.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 17:20:54 +0100 The Pack Horse was one of the staging houses on the Shrewsbury to London run, but dates earlier than the coaching ere, for it is said to have held a license since 1485. It had great accommodation, and on one September Hop Fair, the landlord.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/597/146/The-Pack-Horse-St.-Nicholas-Street..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/597/146/The-Pack-Horse-St.-Nicholas-Street..html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:01:51 +0100 The old name for St. Nicholas Street was 'Gaol Lane'. The deeds of an old house, which stood next to the Imperial Hotel, dated 1585, were in existence in 1910, though the house had gone with the widening of the road. The house was known as 'Ye Gaol Tower, close to ye Postern Gate leading to Losemoor (today known as Lowesmoor) near ye Garden Market' and 'within hail of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/596/146/St-Nicholas-Street-and-Percys-Alley.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/596/146/St-Nicholas-Street-and-Percys-Alley.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:42:27 +0100 It is not known whether the City walls were built on the site of the Anglo-Saxon defences, but the first mention of them is in 1231, when Henry lll allowed the Bailiffs to.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/595/146/The-City-Walls.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/595/146/The-City-Walls.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 11:44:01 +0100 St. Nicholas Church on The Cross was rebuilt in the 1730's, but a few courses of the medieval church can still be seen, the crypt being ancient. In olden days a delightful.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/594/146/A-Medieval-Custom-at-St.-Nicholass-Church-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/594/146/A-Medieval-Custom-at-St.-Nicholass-Church-Worcester.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 11:37:53 +0100 None were destroyed or removed after the 1651 battle. Foregate was the first to go in 1702-3. Sidbury Gate in 1768, and St. Martin's in 1787. At or near St. Martin's Gate was a small .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/593/146/The-Worcester-City-Gates.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/593/146/The-Worcester-City-Gates.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:47:50 +0100 Dr. Gott, famed at Worcester for his forgetfulness, was aggressively approached by a religious fanatic when on the London Underground going to Victoria Station.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/592/146/Dr.-Gott-Dean-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/592/146/Dr.-Gott-Dean-of-Worcester.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:41:21 +0100 The Cathedral Library is older than the present Cathedral. There is a record of a gift of a book to the Church of Worcester as long ago as 780 A.D by King Offa - .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/591/146/The-Cathedral-Library.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/591/146/The-Cathedral-Library.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:34:48 +0100 The first Cathedral at Worcester was built by St. Oswald in 983 A.D. but was almost completely destroyed when Wulstan built the great Norman Church in 1084. All that remains.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/590/146/St.-Oswald-and-the-Little-Devil.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/590/146/St.-Oswald-and-the-Little-Devil.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 10:18:52 +0100 William of Malmesbury left us a fine description of the great Bishop of Worcester, St. Wulstan. Here it is translated by J.H.F. Peile, Archdeacon of Worcester;  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/589/146/Saint-Wulstan.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/589/146/Saint-Wulstan.html Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:27:35 +0100 Article By Canon G.H.Browning - Berrows 2.6.77 We are familiar with reading about the Saturday skirmishes between supporters of the 'Rovers' and the equally ardent supporters of the 'United'. Our Monday morning papers tell us only too often, of casualties sustained by the fans of the 'Blues' or the shop windows and railway fittings smashed by the invading... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/588/146/Monks-Friars-Feud-at-Worcester-13c-Report-Worcester-Berrows-Newspaper-2-Jun-1977.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/588/146/Monks-Friars-Feud-at-Worcester-13c-Report-Worcester-Berrows-Newspaper-2-Jun-1977.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:31:58 +0100 Until 18c, the carpenter was most important in the building of Worcester, but then gave way to the mason and bricklayer, just putting in parts of roof timbers. The City Corporation helped with grants to rebuild the churches damaged in the Civil War. Worcester became..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/587/146/Old-Worcester-Architectural-Miscellaneous-Information.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/587/146/Old-Worcester-Architectural-Miscellaneous-Information.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 22:04:05 +0100   Prison Schoolmaster, Ariel Constable, lived at No 1 Easy Row Holy Trinity Girl's School erected 1834 by subscription on site gifted by the Bishop of Worcester. Boer War Memorial by W.R. Colton, ARA, unveiled Sept 26, 1908. Fall of Chimney at White Hart, College Street, Feb 3, 1960.. Lord Napier at Guildhall, back from Abyssinia, in company of Sir John... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/586/146/Old-Worcester-Miscellaneous-Information-of-Interest-ongoing.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/586/146/Old-Worcester-Miscellaneous-Information-of-Interest-ongoing.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:00:07 +0100 The Watergate was built in 1378 in the reign of Henry V, 'Frater William Power, cellerer made ye gate' . The boatman was paid a salary of 16s. 8d a year.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/585/146/Water-Gate-at-Worcester-Cathedral.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/585/146/Water-Gate-at-Worcester-Cathedral.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:15:37 +0100 Potato rationing during the 1914-18 War at Worcester https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/584/146/Potato-Rationing.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/584/146/Potato-Rationing.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:58:53 +0100 The Receiving of the Bread Dole in the Chapter House of the Cathedral.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/583/146/Bread-Dole-art-the-Cathedral.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/583/146/Bread-Dole-art-the-Cathedral.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 16:33:38 +0100 The Parishioners of St. Helen's Parish about to set off to beat the Parish bounds in 1908. The ladies in the front have maps of the route and .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/582/146/Beating-the-Bounds-at-St.-Helens-Parish-1908.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/582/146/Beating-the-Bounds-at-St.-Helens-Parish-1908.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:50:03 +0100 In the 13th century the Benedictine Order taxed their foundations in England to establish a college at Oxford. In 1283, John Gifford of Brimsfield made a presentation to the Gloucester community of a site of what is..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/581/146/Worcester-College-Oxford.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/581/146/Worcester-College-Oxford.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:36:07 +0100 Walcott's Memorials of Worcester, 1866 records the following: The High Cross (defiled 1529); The Grass Cross (demolished 1578), The Sanctury Cross in Cathedral Yard, Whitesone Cross and wayside crosses on..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/580/146/Worcester-Crosses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/580/146/Worcester-Crosses.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:22:09 +0100 Godwald was an abbot-bishop in Brittany of great virtue and high birth. He had a monastery of clergy on an island called Locoal, and a retreat on a small ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/579/146/St-Godwalds-Chapel.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/579/146/St-Godwalds-Chapel.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 15:12:28 +0100 Prince Arthur was laid to rest on the night of April 26, 1502 in Worcester Cathedral. The legend inscribed on the four sides of his marble-topped tomb in the new Gothic style typeface used by.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/578/146/Prince-Arthurs-Tomb.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/578/146/Prince-Arthurs-Tomb.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:51:04 +0100 The original top of the spire was first taken to Mr. Rowley Hill's residence at St. Catherine's, London Road, but in 1918, Canon Phillips, got .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/577/146/St.-Andrews-Spire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/577/146/St.-Andrews-Spire.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:31:42 +0100 It seems that St. Swithun's parish was the first to have an organ or chimes. A record records 'July 17, 1661, agreement between Richard Beddoes and.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/576/146/First-City-Organ-or-Chimes.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/576/146/First-City-Organ-or-Chimes.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:26:40 +0100 Every year, on the eve of Trinity Sunday, garlands were suspended from the balcony of Queen Elizabeth's House, each person in the ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/575/146/The-Trinity-Wake.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/575/146/The-Trinity-Wake.html Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:08:33 +0100 The Worcester Herald of January 26, 1901, featuring items of news from it's archives of one hundred years before, reported the following: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/574/146/Earl-Lying-in-State-at-the-Crown-Inn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/574/146/Earl-Lying-in-State-at-the-Crown-Inn.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:39:48 +0100 High on the north wall in Anderson & Virgo's chemist shop, which was in the Foregate Street, over the shelves, was displayed the horns of a cow. It had this place of .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/573/146/The-Horns-of-Dr.-Jenners-Cow.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/573/146/The-Horns-of-Dr.-Jenners-Cow.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:20:35 +0100 The City authorities were bound by an Act of Henry VIII (33.19) to maintain a place for archery practice, and to train the City levies in the use of the bow. This required a place where the butts could be ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/572/146/The-Butts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/572/146/The-Butts.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:08:14 +0100 Thomas Shewringe was the celebrated Mayor of Worcester, who with the members of the Corporation, accompanied King James ll to the door of the Roman Catholic Chapel, but declined the invitation to attend Mass in their... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/571/146/Shewringes-Hospital-The-Tything.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/571/146/Shewringes-Hospital-The-Tything.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:26:27 +0100 In 1864. John Wheeley Lea endowed an almshouse in Infirmary Walk for six poor women, and adjoining, defrayed the cost of erecting a school for St. Nicholas parish. The cost was around £2,000, The six houses were in a charming gothic ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/570/146/Leas-Almshouses-and-St-Nicholas-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/570/146/Leas-Almshouses-and-St-Nicholas-School.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 16:05:14 +0100 Another hospital or almshouse near the Tything were the Hebb's Charity for 'decayed members of the Council and their widows'. The houses were at the back of Albany Terrace. Dr. Christopher Hebb, an eminent..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/569/146/Hebbs-Charities.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/569/146/Hebbs-Charities.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:55:58 +0100 Pirie or Perry Wood is the last fragment of the forests that once closely surrounded Worcester. In Elizabethan times, the wardens of Feckenham Forest met at the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/568/146/Perry-Wood.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/568/146/Perry-Wood.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:41:52 +0100 Edwin Lee's found that in Cary's Map of Worcester, the hamlet of Trotshill, near Elbury Mount was then shown as Toothill. Toothills are rounded hills rising beside ancient trackways, and were pre-Roman places of .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/567/146/Elbury-Mount-Trotshill.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/567/146/Elbury-Mount-Trotshill.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 15:20:18 +0100 St. Clements Church was formerly on the east bank of the Severn, at the bottom of Dolday. It suffered badly from .. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/566/146/St-Clements-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/566/146/St-Clements-Church.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:30:54 +0100 In the Foregate is the Berkeley Hospital, founded by Robert Berkeley of Spetchley. In his Will of 1692, he left £2000 to.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/565/146/Berkeley-Hospital-The-Elms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/565/146/Berkeley-Hospital-The-Elms.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 14:02:27 +0100 The care of the aged who were without friends or resources was fully provided for in the Middle Ages by numerous 'hospitals', which were not then , as later they became, places where the .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/564/146/Hospital-or-Almshouses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/564/146/Hospital-or-Almshouses.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 13:44:43 +0100 The curfew bell at St. Helen's was rung nightly without a break until 1939, when the ringing of bells was the official warning that enemy parachutists had landed. The parish had a ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/563/146/The-Curfew-at-St.-Helens-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/563/146/The-Curfew-at-St.-Helens-Worcester.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 13:29:38 +0100 A common Hall is a public meeting of citizens. When half of the 3,000 ratepayers showed no interest in the saving of the Arboretum, a Common Hall was called. There had been Common Halls called for before, but probably none as so rough... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/561/146/A-common-Hall-to-save-the-Arboretum.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/561/146/A-common-Hall-to-save-the-Arboretum.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 13:17:04 +0100 A newscutting in the Foley Scrap book (W.o.r)) describes the fountain which formed the centrepiece of the Arboretum Gardens:                                               ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/560/146/The-Arboretum-Fountain.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/560/146/The-Arboretum-Fountain.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:40:15 +0100 In April 1931, MR.J Mayglothling, a well-known Non-conformist local preacher, then 82, making a speech which was reported in Berrow's Worcester Journal, said.....    https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/559/146/The-Loss-of-Sansome-Fields-and-the-Arboretum.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/559/146/The-Loss-of-Sansome-Fields-and-the-Arboretum.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:22:23 +0100 Noake, the Victorian historian, wrote: 'Ancient names are the key-stones of history and should be scrupulously preserved'... The original name of Warmstrey Slip was Cowell's Lode. (This was the pre-1570 , Lode is the old name for a river crossing, but even Warmstrey Slip is none gone). Sansome was the name of the ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/558/146/Noakes-Recollections.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/558/146/Noakes-Recollections.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 12:01:13 +0100 In 1947, St. Andrew's Church was in a bad state, having been made redundant for some years. The parish was unable to repair it or keep up the churchyard, which was 'neglected and overgrown'. The council acquired the church for... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/557/146/The-Demolition-of-St.-Andrews-Church-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/557/146/The-Demolition-of-St.-Andrews-Church-Worcester.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:43:16 +0100 John Fletcher, in 1908, recalled the changes at Worcester from when he last visited in the City in the 1880s. Three in particular are mentioned; The ford at Barbourne Brook, the loss of the Inglethorpe Almshouses in Taylors Lane, and the removal.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/556/146/Memories-of-Worcester-in-the-1880s-What-would-they-think-today-one-must-wonder.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/556/146/Memories-of-Worcester-in-the-1880s-What-would-they-think-today-one-must-wonder.html Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:24:50 +0100 Bull Baiting was from medieval times to the 19th century, an English pastime. John Noake quotes authority for statements that at Worcester, it was a recognized duty of the Mayor to secure..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/555/146/The-Bull-Ring.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/555/146/The-Bull-Ring.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:42:15 +0100 Old Powick Bridge is thought to have been built in the early 15th century. It was certainly standing in 1550. It is divided into two parts; the eastern with two arches over the mill stream, and the west with three arches over the River Teme..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/554/146/The-Two-Bridges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/554/146/The-Two-Bridges.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 17:08:13 +0100 Comer Gardens was once an isolated 'garden village', built in the 1850's, of detached houses on both sides of a lane, well set back with long gardens in front... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/553/146/Comer-Gardens.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/553/146/Comer-Gardens.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:55:56 +0100 A phenomenal storm took place at Henwick in 1881. Mrs. Millward of Bromyard Road recalled the incident when she was a girl: 'I was 8 or 9 at the time. There was an awful storm. When we left school in the afternoon, as soon as we heard what had happened, we ran there and picked up shell fish, putting them in our pinafores wet and dirty. Mother said they were snails. There was much talk... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/552/146/A-Storm-of-Periwinkles-in-1881.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/552/146/A-Storm-of-Periwinkles-in-1881.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:33:30 +0100 What was described by the local papers as a 'Severe Shock of Earthquake', took place at 5.30 am, on the 17th December 1896. They reported: 'People were awakened by a loud rumbling noise, accompanied by disturbance of the ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/551/146/The-Worcester-Earthquake-of-1896.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/551/146/The-Worcester-Earthquake-of-1896.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 16:18:09 +0100 In the mid-19th century popular names had a habit of sticking. 'Cold Comfort' was the name given to a group of cottages in Church Walk (later School Walk) off Tybridge Street. The name was not official but popular, and like Hungerpit Wlk, off Ombersley Road, was thought to have been due to poor soil or absence of amenities. Cold Comfort and Hungry Harbour or Hungerpit are almost as... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/550/146/Cold-Comfort-Happy-Land.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/550/146/Cold-Comfort-Happy-Land.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:57:36 +0100 For centuries the street called Tybridge Street was the principal entrance into Mid-Wales, and consequently it was the scene of many bloody affrays with the Welsh and other medieval armies needing to use the ...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/549/146/Tybridge-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/549/146/Tybridge-Street.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:03:24 +0100 The Holy Well at Henwick was an exceptional fine spring, which in medieval times had been piped to the Cathedral, and which the Prior had used in the baths which he erected for the use of the monks on Holywell Hill, in return.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/548/146/The-Holy-Well.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/548/146/The-Holy-Well.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:48:56 +0100 A relic of Victorian philanthropy stood in Henwick Road. In more more modern times was used as the Y.M.C.A hostel until 2021, then sadly demolished to make way for new homes. The original building was very large and costly, and though institutional inside, the exterior proclaimed proudly the good work which was done. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/547/146/The-Royal-Albert-Orphanage.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/547/146/The-Royal-Albert-Orphanage.html Thu, 21 Oct 2021 14:31:45 +0100 Edward Webb took a prominent part in the life of the City, He was Mayor in 1847-8, and was a strong supporter of Dr. Charles Hastings during the local battle for the Health of Towns Act, when even .......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/546/146/Edward-Webb.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/546/146/Edward-Webb.html Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:44:25 +0000 The only Factory School in Worcester was at the Horse-hair Carpet Mill. Children were used to supply hair to the weaver's hand, and they like others working in mills elsewhere, worked long hours for little reward. Yet, Edward Webb had a particular concern for the children, and he provided an evening school and library for some 40 poor female children. After  10 or more...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/545/146/Webbs-Factory-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/545/146/Webbs-Factory-School.html Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:24:00 +0000 There was in Copenhagen Street until 1935 the last of the City Carpet Mills, all that remained of a trade which, in George lll's reign had a royal inspection and was considered likely to be the most important in the City's future. In 1835, Edward Webb, then aged 27, bought a horse-hair weaving factory at 8 Copenhagen Street. The plant had 14 seating looms and 2 looms for cider... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/544/146/Webbs-Horsehair-Carpet-Factory.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/544/146/Webbs-Horsehair-Carpet-Factory.html Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:49:37 +0000 When the plague died down no more burial were permitted at the Angel Street site. The cemetery was permanently closed lest any disturbance of the tainted soil might liberate germs of the deadly pestilence. Hence the land was kept as an open space, and in the days of street ........ https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/543/146/The-Old-Sheep-Market-After-the-Plague.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/543/146/The-Old-Sheep-Market-After-the-Plague.html Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:39:17 +0000 In 1746, a parish workhouse was set up in a old half-timbered building in St.Peter's Street, which existed well into the 20th century. Here for £10 per annum, 'a proper person was employed to instruct young persons and others in working trades such as leather, gloving, etc'. At that time, Robert Tasker (a good name) was governor, and received £185 p.a.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/542/146/St.Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/542/146/St.Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html Sat, 20 Mar 2021 22:03:25 +0000 In early times St. Peter's Church was known as 'the Great' to distinguish it from 'St. Peter the Little' , which was a chapel at the castle of Worcester. In the 1830's nit was picturesque, but in a ruinous condition..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/541/146/St-Peters-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/541/146/St-Peters-Church.html Sat, 20 Mar 2021 21:45:17 +0000 The strange custom of 'heaving' took place in Dolday on Easter Monday. A chair decorated with ribbons and coloured streamers was placed in the street and the women would wait for the unwary male to pass along the street... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/540/146/Heaving-in-Dolday.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/540/146/Heaving-in-Dolday.html Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:11:25 +0000 Today, it is hard to believe that before 1899 the citizens of Worcester had not the privilege of roaming at will over Pitchcroft.  Pitchcroft was owned by several people and there were no boundaries to the various properties, so they were not distinguishable but could only be delineated on the Tythe Map. There had always been footpaths giving access to ferries, which had been used... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/539/146/Pitchcroft-and-the-fight-to-get-public-possession.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/539/146/Pitchcroft-and-the-fight-to-get-public-possession.html Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:37:50 +0000 At the bottom of Angel Street was the Old Sheepmarket. It was an open space until 1920 when the present roofed structure was built, although built in since. Traditionally, it was the site of the plague pit, Bill Gwilliam  recalled how the piers for the roof was constructed and a mass of bones removed when the foundations were dug out... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/538/146/The-Plague-Pit-Old-Sheep-Market.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/538/146/The-Plague-Pit-Old-Sheep-Market.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 16:40:28 +0000 The first public lavatories for women in Worcester were erected in land off Little Angel Street. After some years of compaigning, with appeals from the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Worcester in 1913, they were eventually erected 1915, but were mot open on Sundays. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/537/146/Public-Lavatories.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/537/146/Public-Lavatories.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:25:56 +0000 The Black Friars, or Dominican Friary, occupied the site between Broad Street and the City Walls at the Butts, and from the Sheep Market west to Dolday. Their habit was a black cloak and hood over a white cassock. They came to England in 1221, but when they settled in Worcester is not known,  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/536/146/The-Black-Friars.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/536/146/The-Black-Friars.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:14:45 +0000 Money lenders in the past were often Jews, and one of the most notorious was Isaac Gordon, who kept a money lending office in Bridge Street in the 1880's. He was sentenced at Worcester Assizes to a term of imprisonment for defrauding a Herefordshire farmer and the exposure of his extortions contributed to secure legislative regulations of money lending. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/535/146/Isaac-Gordon-Money-Lender.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/535/146/Isaac-Gordon-Money-Lender.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:54:53 +0000 There was undoubtedly a considerable number of Jews living in Worcester in the Middle Ages and, as at other places, they did not have an easy time here. In 1218, Henry lll issued a writ to the Sheriff ordering him to require all Jews wherever they walked or rode abroad within or without the city, to fix on the head of their outer garments two white patches of cloth..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/534/146/The-Jews-Patch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/534/146/The-Jews-Patch.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:41:06 +0000 High Street was for many centuries the street of printers. The first of that craft to practice in Worcester began in 1548. He was John Oswen of Ipswich, which at that time, he had three printers, Worcester being the 9th place in the British Isles to take up the 'art'. Other places ranking in time before Worcester were Tavistock 1525, Cambridge 1521, York 1509, Edinburgh 1507, London... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/533/146/John-Oswen-Worcesters-First-Printer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/533/146/John-Oswen-Worcesters-First-Printer.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:17:29 +0000 Some curious incidents are connected with the repairing of St. Andrew's spire. In 1801, while some repairs were being made, a barber named Baylis, shaved several of his customers on the top of it, and about the same time, a china painter named Cotterill, took up a small cup, which he painted on the top. One of the men shaved on the top was Joshua Bridges, a Seven carrier, an eccentric,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/532/146/The-Spire-Curious-Incidents.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/532/146/The-Spire-Curious-Incidents.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:01:49 +0000 During the 18th century few places had a theatre that was not a barn or improved building. At Worcester, the theatre was a wooden building in the yard of the King's Head Inn, opposite the Guildhall in High Street. The first report we have of it is in the Worcester Postman of January 4th 1717, when 'Oedipus, King of the Thebes ' was preformed... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/531/146/The-Kings-Head-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/531/146/The-Kings-Head-Theatre.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:37:24 +0000 When Elgar was leader of the Worcester Festival Choral Society's Band, J.W. Austin was his second, and Elgar on starting the Orchestral Society, entrusted the leadership to Austin, which led to a long and close association. When printer's proofs of Elgar's new works arrived they went .... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/530/146/The-Austins-Another-Worcester-Musical-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/530/146/The-Austins-Another-Worcester-Musical-Family.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 13:15:59 +0000 In the High Street, Mr W.H. Elgar (the father of Edward) had a shop which he founded in the early 1860's. He had come to Worcester in 1841 from Dover as a pianist and tuner for a London firm of pianoforte makers. He was joined by his brother, and the business was known as Elgar Brothers. It was later transferred to his son, Frank Elgar. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/529/146/The-Elgars-Father-Son.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/529/146/The-Elgars-Father-Son.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 10:37:51 +0000 The Three Choirs Musical Festival is the oldest and most distinguished of its kind in the world. It started in 1715 as an itinerant music club, giving performances of church music. Later, concerts were given at the shirehalls, and it was not until 1759 that oratorios were performed in the Cathedral. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/528/146/The-Three-Choirs-Festival.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/528/146/The-Three-Choirs-Festival.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 09:31:25 +0000 The earliest documents of Assize in the London Records Offices are those of Worcestershire. They date back to 1221. Assizes a word meaning sitting or session, is but a variant of a term which has been applied to judicial systems in Scotland and a number of European countries. There were Assizes of civil jurisdiction.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/527/146/Ancient-Assize-Records.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/527/146/Ancient-Assize-Records.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 08:00:54 +0000 The difference between a Court Leet and a Court Baron was that the Court Leet was a criminal court and a View of Frankpledge, the Court Baron was a court for trying civil actions. The Court Leet was a Court of Record, held once a year in every manor before the Steward of the Leet, who was judge....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/526/146/Court-Leets-Court-Barons.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/526/146/Court-Leets-Court-Barons.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:56:03 +0000 Legal customs were retained for centuries. There were still people living in the 1870s who could remeber the Court Leet being held on Bredon Hill, on the flat space before the King and Queen stones..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/525/146/Bredon-Hill-Court-Leet.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/525/146/Bredon-Hill-Court-Leet.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:50:03 +0000 This is an ancient term used at Court Leets. that neighbours were bound for each others good conduct. Hallam says, 'every ten men in a village were answerable for each other, and if one of the committed an offence the other nine were bound to make reparation. It was security given be free-men'. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/524/146/A-View-of-Frankpledge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/524/146/A-View-of-Frankpledge.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:41:49 +0000 Ancient manorial customs continued in some places well into the present century. The Evesham Journal of December 1, 1928, reported on Feckenham Court Leet; 'According to the old custom, the jury assembled under the oak tree on the village green... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/523/146/Feckenham-Court-Leet.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/523/146/Feckenham-Court-Leet.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:33:09 +0000 Way back in the very distant past, long before there was centralized legal administration, justice was administered upon hill tops, and in some places, ancient stones still stand to mark those special places, and surprisingly, legal customs continued there until comparatively recent times. Two such places are at the King and Queen Stones on Bredon Hill, and the Kifts Gate Stone near... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/522/146/Ancient-Courts-on-the-Hill-Top.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/522/146/Ancient-Courts-on-the-Hill-Top.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:13:07 +0000 Today, the state controls all aspects of the legal system, but in the past there were three distinct legal authorities which controlled rural life... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/521/146/Social-Power-Authority.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/521/146/Social-Power-Authority.html Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:06:46 +0000 There is an area between Collage Street and Edgar Street where curious and tragic events have taken place, all of which were well reported in the press of the day. In November 1718 the whole of Worcester was talking about a girl named Mary Bentall who was troubled with a poltergeist......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/520/146/Strange-Happenings-in-the-Cathedral-Churchyard.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/520/146/Strange-Happenings-in-the-Cathedral-Churchyard.html Thu, 26 Mar 2020 15:28:04 +0000 The old church of St. Michael in Bedwardine stood very close to the Cathedral on the north east side. It had been founded in 826, the name Bedwardine meaning 'ground reserved for the supply of the Refectory, a close or a field to supply bread'. Around the church were a number of houses which blocked up the northern facade of the Cathedral. It had a tower, and at the west end of St.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/519/146/Old-and-New-St-Michaels-Churches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/519/146/Old-and-New-St-Michaels-Churches.html Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:11:46 +0000 In 1863, the Worcestershire Chronicle published the startling announcement that one of the great bells of Worcester Cathedral, weighing five cwts, had recently been stolen, 'it was not known how or when but it must have been within the last few months'. A ring of eight bells had existed at the Cathedral, and an America, who had visited the Tower, guided by a young ringer, informed... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/518/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/518/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:51:18 +0000 The present house incorporates fragments of the Cistercian Nunnery called White Ladies, founded by Bishop Cantelupe, the friend of Simon de Mountfort, in 1250. Bishop Gifford, Cantelupe's successor, added to the endowment's and gave land bought from the de Flagge family. Some accounts say that Alice Flagge  entered the Convent and brought to the Nunnery lands leading up to... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/517/146/The-White-Ladies.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/517/146/The-White-Ladies.html Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:35:35 +0000 H.H.Lines was a landscape painter and a draughtsman of singular merit, ranking among the 'Worcester School' as second only to B W Leader. Among his works in the possession of the city are the line-and-wash drawings of the cathedral and monastic buildings which were being destroyed in the mid-19th century. With modern day research Worcester had others artists who became Royal Academy... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/516/146/H.-H-Lines-Landscape-Painter.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/516/146/H.-H-Lines-Landscape-Painter.html Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:54:13 +0000 For several centuries the public gallows for Worcestershire stood at Red Hill on a piece of wasteland, but long since enclosed by the Sebrights. It is still possible to place the site of execution, for two ancient roads crossed here and these roads are now very narrow footpaths. The one, the old London Road, runs up the hill at the back of the houses; the other goes from north to... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/515/146/The-Execution-of-Father-John-Wall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/515/146/The-Execution-of-Father-John-Wall.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 16:33:00 +0000   The story of Mrs. Henry Wood is one of the great success stories of the 19th century. She was born during the great frost of 1814 and a century later 6,000,000 copies of her books had been sold (not counting pirate copies and her huge contribution to magazines). She was born Ellen Price at 18 Sidbury (called Danesbury House but rebuilt in 1889). Her father was Thomas Price,... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/514/146/Mrs-Henry-Wood.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/514/146/Mrs-Henry-Wood.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:19:39 +0000 Before 1835 the parish of St.Michael's was out of the city boundaries and jurisdiction. Both the Talbot and the Hare and Hounds in College Street were widely used for country business, all the amenities of the town but officially beyond its limits..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/513/146/The-old-Talbot.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/513/146/The-old-Talbot.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 12:48:11 +0000 Facing the Tewkesbury Road is the Loch Ryan Hotel, a fine late18th-century house that was once the residence of Bishop Gore, Bishop of Worcester from 1902 - 1905. He was the first Bishop of the 20th century and a socialist who refused to live in Hartlebury Castle, preferring to live in closer contact with his people.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/512/146/Bishop-Gore.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/512/146/Bishop-Gore.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 12:22:16 +0000 The Commandery has been home to many notable families including the Camerons. Dr. Cameron, the celebrated Worcester physician and his wife (Anne Ingram) lived in part of it in the latter half of the 18th century. Their eldest son, Rev C.R.Cameron, married Lucy Littleton Butt who, like her sister Mrs. Sherwood, wrote books for children, and numbered among admirers the great Dr. Arnold of Rugby... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/511/146/The-Cameron-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/511/146/The-Cameron-Family.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 10:33:20 +0000 It was founded by Bishop Wulstan at the end of the 11th century for a master, four brethren and a chaplain. The establishment was at once religious and charitable, one of the houses outside the walls (like Oswald's) which catered for the reception of wayfarers who arrived after the city gates had closed at night and who otherwise would have had to sleep in the open. It was never connected... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/510/146/The-Commandery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/510/146/The-Commandery.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 09:54:03 +0000 In 1746 a parish workhouse was set up in an old half-timbered building in St. Peter's Street. It existed well into the 20th century. Parish records show the kind of treatment the less fortunate met. In 1739, for instance; Leonard Darke was to have 'the badche put on his sleeve before the churchwarden relieves him or his wife', a reference to the enforced practise of wearing a... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/509/146/St-Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/509/146/St-Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html Thu, 07 Nov 2019 09:26:21 +0000 In early times St Peter's church was known as the 'Great' to distinguish it from St Peter the Little which was a chapel at the royal castle of Worcester. By the 1830s it was picturesque but in a ruinous condition; and it was demolished in 1838. A new church was built with the aid of a government grant....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/508/146/St-Peters-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/508/146/St-Peters-Church.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 18:51:45 +0000 After the dissolution of the priory, the ferry and the boathouse passed with the Severn meadows to the new dean and chapter of the cathedral; and in Elizabethan times were the scene of an affray which became a Star Chamber matter, for strong passions disturbed the peace of the cathedral close in the days of transition from the old order to the new. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/507/146/The-Affray-at-the-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/507/146/The-Affray-at-the-Ferry.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 18:09:37 +0000 The old church of St Michael in Bedwardine, founded in 826, stood very close to the cathedral on the north-east side. Around the church were a number of houses that blocked up the northern facade of the cathedral. St Michael's had a tower and at the west end stood the ancient clochium, or bell tower, of the cathedral with its lofty spire.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/506/146/Old-and-new-St-Michaels-churches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/506/146/Old-and-new-St-Michaels-churches.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:10:23 +0000 In 1863, the Worcestershire Chronicle published the startling announcement that one of the great bells of the cathedral, weighing five hundredweight had recently been stolen. It was not known how or when but it must have been within the last few months.........  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/505/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/505/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:00:10 +0000 Over the south aisle of the nave is the cathedral library. It contains rare and valuable books and documents of great age, including King John's will and a book printed by Caxton who set up England's first printing press in 1477. It was not until 1461, in the time of Bishop Carpenter, that a library was erected, and then it was placed in the charnel house; but there were collections... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/504/146/The-Cathedral-Library.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/504/146/The-Cathedral-Library.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:33:31 +0000 The site of the present city was tidal and swampy, ut the ford by the high ground, where the cathedral now stands, was of great importance, for here was the first sure crossing of the tidal river for many a mile. Sometime before AD655, a small mission church was built within the former Roman enclosure and houses and merchants clustered around. Later, alongside it, was built the first cathedral... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/503/146/The-beginnings-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/503/146/The-beginnings-of-Worcester.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:34 +0000 The beginnings of Worcester date from the Bronze Age when, some two thousand years before the birth of Christ, the first settlers arrived; but these were not on the banks of the Severn ut on the high terrace east of the city between Elbury Mount and Crookbarrow Hill. The high ridge still shows circles and squares where once stood early settlements - from Elbury Mount in the north, which... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/502/146/The-Cathedral-and-Sidbury-Before-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/502/146/The-Cathedral-and-Sidbury-Before-Worcester.html Wed, 06 Nov 2019 15:32:22 +0000 The last of the endowed school's of the City was in 'the township of St. John in Bedwardine', on the west bank of the Severn.It was a combined charity of two ladies who lived in St John's; Milberrow Doelittle in 1719 and Mercy Herbert in 1722..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/501/146/St-Johns-Charity-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/501/146/St-Johns-Charity-School.html Tue, 16 Jul 2019 12:15:49 +0100 Worcester has two ancient endowed schools. They were the Cathedral King's School, which was of pre-Reformation foundation and was re-f ounded in 1541 by Henry VIII, and is still prospering strongly to this day and the Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School. founded in 1561, known as the Worcester Girls Grammar School but sadly closed in more recent times..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/500/146/The-Endowed-and-Chrity-Schools-in-the-City-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/500/146/The-Endowed-and-Chrity-Schools-in-the-City-of-Worcester.html Tue, 16 Jul 2019 11:26:03 +0100 Noake tells of an early Victorian faith healer, a labouring man of Stoke Prior, practising the art of healing 'by a charm', cases of thrush in children. He would put his finger into his own mouth and then into the child's, rubbing the gums and mumbling something ending with 'Father, Son and Holy Ghost', then set the child down.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/499/146/Faith-Healer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/499/146/Faith-Healer.html Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:20:11 +0100 Belief in charms survived well into the present century, especially for the cure of mysterious troubles that poultices and physic did not seem to touch, such as warts, skin diseases and fits. The charmer blew three times round the head of the patient, made mystic passes with his hands over the part afflicted and repeated an incantation in a low mumbling voice with the express intention that... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/498/146/Healing-by-Charms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/498/146/Healing-by-Charms.html Tue, 25 Jun 2019 13:58:29 +0100 Until the coming of the motor-car there were many villages in Worcestershire hidden away among wooded hills where life went on seemingly unchanged, as it had done for centuries. They were insignificant, out-of-the-world little places, inhabited by quaint old-fashioned folk, whose manners and customs were traditional and superstitious........ https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/497/146/The-Village-Wise-Woman.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/497/146/The-Village-Wise-Woman.html Tue, 25 Jun 2019 09:43:15 +0100 Long before Christianity, the Celts worshipped at curiously shaped rocks, not in temples, but in the open air, and on hill-tops. These stones were believed to have magical properties, and on Bredon Hill two groups of stones, of great antiquity, were used for religious and super superstitious purposes.......... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/496/146/The-King-and-Queen-and-Bambury-Stones-on-Bredon-Hill.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/496/146/The-King-and-Queen-and-Bambury-Stones-on-Bredon-Hill.html Mon, 24 Jun 2019 19:50:54 +0100                                             Folklore is the study of beliefs and practices once firmly held. Few now believe in charms, in giants and fairies, but less than a century ago... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/495/146/Folklore-in-Past-Days.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/495/146/Folklore-in-Past-Days.html Mon, 24 Jun 2019 16:37:53 +0100 Abbotts Chimney Sweeps..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/493/146/Abbotts-Chimney-Sweep-looking-from-Friar-Street..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/493/146/Abbotts-Chimney-Sweep-looking-from-Friar-Street..html Fri, 10 May 2019 01:10:44 +0100 The pictures on this page are among the earliest taken of a fair in the City, and date from around 1870. They are the work of F.C. Earl, who had a studio in Foregate Street........ https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/492/146/Early-Fairground-Stalls-c.1870.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/492/146/Early-Fairground-Stalls-c.1870.html Thu, 09 May 2019 20:20:07 +0100 Harry Strickland's grandson, Ray Strickland of Bromyard visited Bill back in 1993, when he saw a article Bill had written in Worc. Evening News, (27.9.1993), Bill recorded the conversation which gave an insight to  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/491/146/Stricklands-Gallopers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/491/146/Stricklands-Gallopers.html Thu, 09 May 2019 19:35:10 +0100 Two Worcester Showman's roundabouts in Angel Place. Alf Peters stands in front of his Gallopers in Angel Place c.1930, and Stricklands Horse Gallopers in Angel Place c.1920..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/490/146/Two-Worcester-Showmans-RoundaboutsGalloping-Horses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/490/146/Two-Worcester-Showmans-RoundaboutsGalloping-Horses.html Thu, 09 May 2019 18:40:24 +0100   It is known that a building on the Shelsley Side of Woodbury Hill existed in the late 19th and early 20th Century's, which was owned by Dr.Barnardo's. originally old maps shown it as the reformatory, ut the locals always spoke of it as 'The Home'. Bill Gwilliam : 'My father, William Gwilliam lived in what he referred to as 'The Home' for... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/489/146/Dr-Barnardos-William-Gwilliam-born-1888.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/489/146/Dr-Barnardos-William-Gwilliam-born-1888.html Thu, 09 May 2019 12:05:35 +0100 Captain Michael Clements was a naval officer who greatly distinguished himself in the wars with France and Spain. Near Cadiz, in 1778, Captain Clements in the Vengeance, in sight of all the people assembled on the walls of the city, defeated two frigates sent out against him, and took on a whole Spanish fleet, receiving the fire of 24 ships of the enemy, and having 40 holes in the hull, many... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/488/146/Captain-Michael-Clements-R.N.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/488/146/Captain-Michael-Clements-R.N.html Thu, 09 May 2019 11:42:31 +0100 It was at the Hop Pole that Lord Nelson stayed on his memorable visit to Worcester. The Coming of Nelson had not been anticipated, but during the afternoon of Sunday, 26th of August, 1802, a rumor of his approach spread amongst the citizens, for which mine host of the Hop Pole was probably responsible, for it was there that Nelson had bespoken rooms.....   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/487/146/Nelson-at-the-Hop-Pole-Inn-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/487/146/Nelson-at-the-Hop-Pole-Inn-Worcester.html Thu, 09 May 2019 10:18:20 +0100 An early north east view of Worcester Cathedral c.1789 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/486/146/An-early-view-of-Worcester-Cathedral-c.1789.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/486/146/An-early-view-of-Worcester-Cathedral-c.1789.html Wed, 08 May 2019 20:20:36 +0100 Huddington Court home of the Wintours and the Gunpowder Plot....       https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/485/146/Huddington-Court-home-of-the-Wintours-and-the-Gunpowder-Plot.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/485/146/Huddington-Court-home-of-the-Wintours-and-the-Gunpowder-Plot.html Wed, 08 May 2019 19:04:13 +0100 Nightwatchman on duty outside St.Helen's Church c.1900 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/484/146/Nightwatchman-on-duty-outside-St.-Helens-Church-c.1900.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/484/146/Nightwatchman-on-duty-outside-St.-Helens-Church-c.1900.html Wed, 08 May 2019 18:35:18 +0100 Blind man reading Braile near the Watergate c.1900 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/483/146/Blind-Man-c.1900.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/483/146/Blind-Man-c.1900.html Wed, 08 May 2019 18:14:23 +0100 In the 1920/30s a short stretch of river bank at Grimley, known as the Grimley Lido, gave untold pleasure to the people of Worcester. It was hardly a 'Costa Brava' or a beach on the Cornish Riviera, just the length of a longish field, but it became the mecca of thousands of people who wanted a dip in the river, or a picnic, on a summer week-end, or on a Thursday 'half-day... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/482/146/Grimley-Lido.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/482/146/Grimley-Lido.html Wed, 08 May 2019 18:06:30 +0100 Worcester Evening News  August 1997 1940's photograph of a popular Worcester wartime dance and cabaret troupe paying tribute to a gifted local dancer who died recently (1997). https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/481/146/Terrific-troupe-which-danced-for-our-troops.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/481/146/Terrific-troupe-which-danced-for-our-troops.html Wed, 08 May 2019 16:23:26 +0100 Fair booths on Pitchcroft about 1880, showing the elaborate painted canvas fronts and small mechanical organ. An original print found in the loft of the British School marked School Photographic Club     https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/480/146/Fair-Booths-on-Pitchcroft-abt-1880.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/480/146/Fair-Booths-on-Pitchcroft-abt-1880.html Wed, 08 May 2019 16:09:56 +0100 'Uncle' Ben Embling's Sweet Stall in Angel Street at the Worcester Cheese and Hop Fair 19th September 1909 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/479/146/Uncle-Ben-Emblings-Sweet-Stall-c.1909.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/479/146/Uncle-Ben-Emblings-Sweet-Stall-c.1909.html Wed, 08 May 2019 15:59:43 +0100 Stalls in Angel Street for the annual Cheese and Hop Fair, 19th September 1909 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/478/146/Angel-Street-Cheese-Hop-Fair-1909.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/478/146/Angel-Street-Cheese-Hop-Fair-1909.html Wed, 08 May 2019 15:47:57 +0100 Worcester Evening News Remembers Article 13th Feb 1993 Stamping out infection took on drastic proportions at Worcester in 1905 when the city council deliberately devastated an historic house .. by setting it ablaze..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/477/146/Worcester-Pest-House-Barbourne.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/477/146/Worcester-Pest-House-Barbourne.html Wed, 08 May 2019 11:59:16 +0100 Robert Whiston, celebrated headmaster at Rochester and reformer of Cathedral schools, was friend and life-long correspondent of James Knight, the Editor of the Worcester Chronicle. Robert Whiston was headmaster of Rochester Cathedral Grammar School from 1849-1853. He  examined records and found that funds for scholars, and for four scholars at Oxford, were going into the Dean and... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/476/146/Robert-Whiston-and-the-Worcester-King-School-Endowments.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/476/146/Robert-Whiston-and-the-Worcester-King-School-Endowments.html Wed, 08 May 2019 11:32:17 +0100 Mrs. Sherwood, the writer of children's books, who died at Britannia Square in 1851, was the daughter of the Rev. George Butt, Rector of Stanford and vicar of Clifton-on-Teme from 1771 onwards. When she was only seven years old, an event occurred which left an abiding memory with her. Many years later she described it :-  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/475/146/The-Black-Library.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/475/146/The-Black-Library.html Wed, 08 May 2019 10:29:22 +0100 Mention was originally made of James Coombs in Old Worcester People and Places, Volume 1 p.29. Edward Corbett wrote of him: 'James Coombs, l remember was a local institutional; a ig framed man of somewhat ungainly carriage, who kept a book-shop chiefly second-hand, on the west side of the High Street.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/474/146/The-Old-Worcester-Book-worms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/474/146/The-Old-Worcester-Book-worms.html Wed, 08 May 2019 10:09:00 +0100 Under the pen-name 'Rambler' John Noakes was the senior reporter, and later sub-editor of the Worcester Herald. He came to Worcester when he was 22 years of age and died in Rose Terrace in 1894, in his 78th year, after 56 years devoted to local history researches.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/473/146/John-Noakes-Historian.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/473/146/John-Noakes-Historian.html Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:51:37 +0100 High up on Tunnel Hill stands a house on the highest part of the road with 'observatory' windows on the top floor. In the 1800's it had a huge telescope fixed in the windows and many tales were told of the power of the instrument: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/472/146/Tunnel-Hill-Observatory.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/472/146/Tunnel-Hill-Observatory.html Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:39:49 +0100 In 1913, a Society called the Worcester Tenants Ltd, bought eleven acres of land from Christ Church, Oxford, just off Tolladine Road, on the south side which then, apart from the Railway works, was in completely rural meadows and hills.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/471/146/The-Garden-Suburb-Tolladine-Road.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/471/146/The-Garden-Suburb-Tolladine-Road.html Thu, 11 Apr 2019 13:50:54 +0100 Brickfields Estate was the property of Richard Spooner, an eccentric. He was M.P for North Worcestershire, and partner in the Banking house of Attwood and Spooner of Birmingham.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/470/146/Brickfields-and-Richard-Spooner.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/470/146/Brickfields-and-Richard-Spooner.html Thu, 11 Apr 2019 13:26:40 +0100 The Priory Ferry, or Cathedral Ferry, worked until the mid-20th century. It had originally been established for the convenience both of monks and milk-maids, who would otherwise have had to be taken the circuitous route through the City to the Severn ridge at the bottom of Newport Street, for there was no riverside walk as there is today.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/469/146/The-Water-Gate-and-the-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/469/146/The-Water-Gate-and-the-Ferry.html Tue, 19 Mar 2019 15:12:13 +0000 The old church of St. Michael in Bedwardine stood very close to the Cathedral on the north east side. It had been founded in 826, the name Bedwardine meaning 'ground reserved for the supply of the Refectory, a close or field to supply bread'. Around the church were a number of houses which blocked up the northern facade of the Cathedral. It had a tower, and at the west end of St.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/468/146/Old-and-New-St.-Michaels-Churches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/468/146/Old-and-New-St.-Michaels-Churches.html Tue, 19 Mar 2019 11:33:19 +0000 The religious revival that came with church reform brought great changes in public worship. One of the influences for church reform came from the young men of the Oxford Movement, to whom the doctrine and ceremony of the early church were a precious heritage.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/467/146/Changes-in-the-Cathedral-Services.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/467/146/Changes-in-the-Cathedral-Services.html Tue, 19 Mar 2019 10:46:40 +0000 The Tomb of King John laid to rest in the Chancel of Worcester Cathedral following his death in Newark in 1216. originally placed between Wulstan & Oswald which sadly was destroyed.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/466/146/The-Tomb-of-King-John-in-the-Chancel.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/466/146/The-Tomb-of-King-John-in-the-Chancel.html Mon, 18 Mar 2019 17:54:39 +0000 Worcester Cathedral https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/465/146/Worcester-Cathedral.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/465/146/Worcester-Cathedral.html Mon, 18 Mar 2019 17:33:53 +0000 Worcester City Football Club, St. George's Lane c.1928 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/464/146/Worcester-City-Football-Club-St.-Georges-Lane-c.1928.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/464/146/Worcester-City-Football-Club-St.-Georges-Lane-c.1928.html Mon, 18 Mar 2019 16:33:13 +0000 In 1863, the Worcester Chronicle published the startling announcement that one of the great bells of Worcester Cathedral, weighing five cwts, had recently been stolen, 'it was not known how or when but it must have been within the last few months'.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/463/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/463/146/Cathedral-Bell-Stolen.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 18:17:00 +0000 In Walpole's Lord Orford's letters, there is a note about a Worcester lady, who believing that her dead daughter yet existed and might communicate with her as a singing bird, had cages of birds put with her in her pew in the Cathedral, hoping they might attract her. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/462/146/Cages-of-Birds-in-Cathedral-Pews.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/462/146/Cages-of-Birds-in-Cathedral-Pews.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 18:07:37 +0000 Immediately north of the main entrance to the Cathedral, at a site where now the roadway widens before the North Porch, stood the Chapel of the Charnel House.........   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/461/146/The-Cathedral-Charnel-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/461/146/The-Cathedral-Charnel-House.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 17:47:34 +0000 The ruins in the College Green are part of the Guesten Hall, built in 1320, which formed part of a chain of monastic buildings on the south side of the Cathedral...... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/460/146/Guesten-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/460/146/Guesten-Hall.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 17:14:16 +0000 The Council of War - James ll Rebuffs the Bishop - The Bishop Locked Out https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/459/146/Three-Incidents-at-the-Old-Palace.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/459/146/Three-Incidents-at-the-Old-Palace.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 16:29:52 +0000 Until the year 1842, the Old Palace was the official residence of the Bishop of Worcester. He also had Hartlebury Castle and a London House, but a Royal Commission looking into the Church Revenues with reforming zeal, concluded that the Bishop had no need for two palaces, and reduced his income. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/458/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/458/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:40:55 +0000 Edgar Tower was, until the late 19th century, known as St. Mary's Gate, was the main gate to the royal castle and priory.....  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/457/146/Edgar-Tower.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/457/146/Edgar-Tower.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 15:22:33 +0000 Eatons Concise History of Worcester, ends the account of the opening of the tomb with this macabre story: 'On the opening of the Tomb of King John in the Cathedral, a gentleman of this city took a hand-full of the skeletons of skins of maggots that were in and about the abdomen of the body and angled with them in the Severn, and absolutely caught a brace of bleak with... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/456/146/Eatons-Concise-History-of-Worcester-1829-Royal-Tombs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/456/146/Eatons-Concise-History-of-Worcester-1829-Royal-Tombs.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:35:32 +0000 Two important royal tombs can be seen in Worcester Cathedral. That of King John, believed to bear the earliest royal effigy taken from life, and that of Prince Arthur, the eldest son of Henry VIII, often said to be the most beautiful tomb of all British Cathedrals. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/455/146/The-Royal-Tombs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/455/146/The-Royal-Tombs.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 13:02:53 +0000 On January 16th, 1540, the Priory of Worcester came to an end and after 580 years of occupation by the Prior and monks, the monastic buildings and estates were surrendered into the hands of the King. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/454/146/The-Dissolution.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/454/146/The-Dissolution.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 12:49:43 +0000 The shrines of Oswald and Wulstan were the most popular of the Midland religious shrines in the 13th and 14th centuries. The great re-building of the Cathedral in the 13th century, the choir and Lady Chapel, were made possible by the fame of the Saints of Worcester. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/453/146/The-Shrines-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/453/146/The-Shrines-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html Sun, 17 Mar 2019 11:32:04 +0000 The croft nearest the City walls (roughly the land cut off by the railway viaduct) was called Little Pitchcroft. It was taken up by the Cattle Market and other buildings, but not before there was considerable violence to stop the loss of what regarded as the citizen's common land. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/452/146/Little-Pitchcroft-Riots-1818.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/452/146/Little-Pitchcroft-Riots-1818.html Sun, 17 Feb 2019 15:47:20 +0000 The years following the wars with Napoleon were times of great distress among the poor. Charitable people opened soup kitchens in Bull Entry and Bank Street. The Bull Entry kitchen was established in 1817, with specially made equipment that made an average 15,000 quarts daily, and it was said could make three times as much if needed.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/451/146/Soup-Kitchens.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/451/146/Soup-Kitchens.html Sun, 17 Feb 2019 15:03:58 +0000 From time immemorial the Prior and the monks of Worcester (the forerunners of the Dean and Chapter) were exempt from municipal authority. This was confirmed  y Henry VI, who in the year 1400, ordained that :  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/450/146/The-Cathedral-and-the-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/450/146/The-Cathedral-and-the-City.html Sat, 16 Feb 2019 15:08:36 +0000 The privileges of Sanctuary were granted to the Cathedral in 712. The area of the Sanctuary formed a circuit around the Cathedral, coming up from the river at Water Gate, between College Green and the site of the old Castle (now the King's School) including the north side of Edgar Street (which was called Knoll's End), across Sidbury to Lich Street, running up the south side of that... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/449/146/The-Sanctuary-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/449/146/The-Sanctuary-at-Worcester.html Sat, 16 Feb 2019 14:14:36 +0000 Worcester was the first ford, coming up the Severn, at the head of the tideway which was not unduly affected by the tide, but equally important, there was sharpe rising ground which provided a place of comparative safety for those using the ford. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/448/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/448/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html Sat, 16 Feb 2019 13:08:58 +0000 Oswald became Bishop of Worcester in 961, at the time of the Danish raids, and when Christian life was well nign impossible. He saw the solution in the revival of monastic life, the monasteries being refuge where men could flee from the lawless and sensual world, and from which a Christian by religious discipline could influence the world around. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/447/146/The-Early-Cathedrals-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/447/146/The-Early-Cathedrals-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html Sat, 16 Feb 2019 11:57:26 +0000 'Buy!  Buy!  Buy! Saturday night in the Shambles, after 9 o'clock, was like a medieval fair, with butchers vying with each other to auction unsold meat. Until about 1930, a few butchers had any form of refridgeration, and meat was sold off cheaply, rather than let it spoil over the weekend ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/446/146/The-Shambles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/446/146/The-Shambles.html Thu, 14 Feb 2019 16:20:51 +0000 The most famous of Worcester's drapery and millinery establishments in the 19th century was Victoria House. Its premises was part of the old Hop Pole Hotel, one of the most famous posting establishments in the Midlands. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/445/146/Victoria-House-and-Fashion-in-1900.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/445/146/Victoria-House-and-Fashion-in-1900.html Tue, 12 Feb 2019 17:11:11 +0000 From the Town Gate in the Foregate to the Liberty Post at the top of Salt Lane (now Castle Street), was the northern Liberties of the City. The land was outside the walls, but under the control of the City Corporation. Before the Battle of 1651, it was a place of hovels, but in preparation for the attack, these were cleared away.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/444/146/Foregate-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/444/146/Foregate-Street.html Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:07:59 +0000 In medieval times here the life of the City concentrated. An ancient cross with heraldry stood opposite the Trinity Passage. Here war and peace was declared, the royal proclamation made.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/443/146/The-Cross.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/443/146/The-Cross.html Tue, 12 Feb 2019 15:58:13 +0000 A major re-think is needed for Worcester to flourish and become an important centre for shopping, business and tourism in the 21st century. That is the picture that has emerged after the Evening News invited its readers to take part in a survey of what they think of the city.....   Article Credits; Pam Hinks would like to thank Worcester News formerly Berrow's for... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/442/146/How-City-Centre-Could-Be-Improved-WIEN-29.3.1996.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/442/146/How-City-Centre-Could-Be-Improved-WIEN-29.3.1996.html Tue, 12 Feb 2019 14:13:13 +0000 The present  official statistics for Astwood Cemetery, @11th February 2019 stands at : Recorded burials to-date = 79,451 Remainder of burial plots available = 600 Current acreage of land = 85 acres  There are no plans at present to reuse previously used burial plots There are no further plans at present for a further Cemetery in Worcester or surrounding... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/441/146/Astwood-Cemetery-Statistics-11th-February-2019.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/441/146/Astwood-Cemetery-Statistics-11th-February-2019.html Tue, 12 Feb 2019 12:21:49 +0000 This imposing house, almost opposite the Reindeer Inn, was the Shades Inn, but originally, it was the home of the Russell family, one of the principal families of the City.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/440/146/The-Shades-Inn-Mealcheapen-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/440/146/The-Shades-Inn-Mealcheapen-Street-Worcester.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 17:54:02 +0000 Those battling to save Worcester's Golden Lion as a pub have made a remarkable discovery which adds weight to their campaign. Article credits; Pam Hinks would like to thank Worcester News, formely Berrow's, for permission to reproduce copyright material   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/439/146/Fight-to-Save-the-Golden-Lion-Finds-400-year-Inventory-Berrows-12.2.1984.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/439/146/Fight-to-Save-the-Golden-Lion-Finds-400-year-Inventory-Berrows-12.2.1984.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 17:39:53 +0000 The Plough Inn, off Cornmarket, which was demolished to make way for the new Walls Road in c1970, was well over 600 years old. It was originally a religious inn called the Archangel, and stood just outside St Martin's Gate, to accommodate traveler's that arrived too late to enter the City.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/438/146/The-Plough-Inn-Silver-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/438/146/The-Plough-Inn-Silver-Street-Worcester.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 17:17:38 +0000 A leaflet found in a chimney stack at Ombersley shows that the inn at Hadley was used for other than bowling, and that in the 18th century a 'Mop' was held there. The leaflet reads as follows:   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/437/146/Servants-Mop-at-Hadley-Bowling-Green.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/437/146/Servants-Mop-at-Hadley-Bowling-Green.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 17:07:56 +0000 In Berrow's Worcester Journal of May 1754, there was an appeal for a lost person, which mentions a tavern under the 'Sign of the Dog' outside the Turnpike gates, which then stood at the bottom of Wheatsheaf Hill, at the junction of the London and Tewkesbury roads. It reads:   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/436/146/At-the-Sign-of-the-Dog-Sidbury-Worcester-1754.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/436/146/At-the-Sign-of-the-Dog-Sidbury-Worcester-1754.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 16:54:36 +0000 The Crown Inn, Broad Street, Worcester, is a fine example of an old coaching inn of the 18th century, but in fact it is much older than that. There are references to the Crown in the City Chamberlains Account's of 1566, and again of 1578, under the heading 'Rentall of the Cities landes in St Nicholas parish' -  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/435/146/Riot-at-the-Crown-Inn-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/435/146/Riot-at-the-Crown-Inn-Worcester.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 16:11:57 +0000 This inn was originally the White Hart, and the first reference to this inn, now renowned throughout the country and to tourists abroad, is in 1532 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/434/146/Charles-I-and-Cromwell-at-the-Lygon-Arms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/434/146/Charles-I-and-Cromwell-at-the-Lygon-Arms.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 16:03:40 +0000 Almost next door to the King's Arms is the Crown and Sandy's. This fine inn mentioned in the parish register in 1740, has a late Georgian front, but parts are older, and it was said previously to have been thatched.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/433/146/The-Crown-and-Sandys-Ombersley.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/433/146/The-Crown-and-Sandys-Ombersley.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 15:44:22 +0000 The Kings Arms is a very old, half-timbered inn, dating from the early 17th century, with parts going further back to the 15th.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/432/146/Charles-II-and-the-Kings-Arms-Ombersley.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/432/146/Charles-II-and-the-Kings-Arms-Ombersley.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 15:37:48 +0000 The Cross Key's Inn was one of a group of ecclesiastical inns near the Cathedral; the other being the Cardinal's Hat (almost opposite), the Angel de la Trompe, The Mitre and the Seven Stars, all of which have now gone . The Cross Keys did a large trade on market days till the end of the 19th century, but there were 30 licensed houses close around, and the Cross Keys, having had four... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/431/146/The-Cross-Keys-Inn-Friar-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/431/146/The-Cross-Keys-Inn-Friar-Street-Worcester.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 15:16:04 +0000 Worcester Cathedral in the period of 1100 to 1540 was one of the principal places of pilgrimage. Many ecclesiastical inns sheltered near the Cathedral catering for the traveler and pilgrim....   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/429/146/The-Cardinals-Hat.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/429/146/The-Cardinals-Hat.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:48:02 +0000 Worcester Cathedral in the period of 1100 to 1540 was one of the principal places of pilgrimage. Many ecclesiastical inns sheltered near the Cathedral catering for the traveler and pilgrim....   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/430/146/The-Cardinals-Hat.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/430/146/The-Cardinals-Hat.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:48:02 +0000 The Worcester White House, Foregate Street, was until recent times known as the Star Hotel and in the mid - 19th century, the Start and Garter. It shares the distinction of being the oldest County inn with the Lygon Arms of Broadway, for it has had a licence since 1588, the year of the Armada. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/428/146/The-Worcester-White-House-Held-for-12-Pennies-and-One-Red-Rose.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/428/146/The-Worcester-White-House-Held-for-12-Pennies-and-One-Red-Rose.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:12:36 +0000 To contrast to the Magpie above, the Farmers Arms on Kempsey Common was converted to a tavern when originally it was the parish Workhouse. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/427/146/From-Workhouse-to-Tavern.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/427/146/From-Workhouse-to-Tavern.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:05:18 +0000 The Magpie Inn at Tardebigge was also in the churchyard in days past, but in 1830, it was converted to a school. Before that, when the parson went out to the vestry to exchange surplice for a black gown for preaching, he would step across to the pub for a quick glass of ale while the psalm was sung. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/426/146/Pub-Into-School-at-Tardebigge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/426/146/Pub-Into-School-at-Tardebigge.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 13:53:56 +0000 The Mug House is a rare example of a public house in a churchyard, some say, the only one today. Tombstones, flaking and grey, are within a few feet of the front door, and the church, is only 30 paces away. Calling for their evening pint, the villager's until recent times's had to approach by the churchyard path.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/425/146/The-Mug-House-Claines.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/425/146/The-Mug-House-Claines.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 13:35:59 +0000 For centuries church ales were regular features of medieval life, and taverns were not only near at hand, but often in the church yard itself. The Old Talbot, in College Street, Worcester was originally the Church House for St. Michael's Church, which stood in the Cathedral churchyard. It dates from the 13th century at least, and played an important part in baking bread and brewing ales... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/424/146/Pubs-in-the-Churchyard.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/424/146/Pubs-in-the-Churchyard.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 12:44:31 +0000 The following are various information notes which doesn't warrant a particular section, but a point of interest during my research etc.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/423/146/Misc-Notes-on-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/423/146/Misc-Notes-on-Inns.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 12:35:16 +0000 The Crown Inn was one of the inns sheltering beneath the walls of Evesham Abbey. It existed before the destruction of that great building, and probably found it convenient to change its name in those troubled times.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/422/146/The-Crown-Inn-Evesham.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/422/146/The-Crown-Inn-Evesham.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 12:13:26 +0000 One of the earliest inns mentioned is the 'Hospice de la Trump' at Worcester in 1473. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/421/146/The-Angel-de-la-Trompe.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/421/146/The-Angel-de-la-Trompe.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 12:03:21 +0000 The first reference to inns in Worcestershire come from documents referring to inns maintained by Ecclesiastic authorities. They all had religious signs, sheltering near the walls of great abbeys, offering refreshments and lodgings to pilgrims.. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/420/146/Ecclesiastical-Inns-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/420/146/Ecclesiastical-Inns-in-Worcestershire.html Sun, 03 Feb 2019 11:51:07 +0000 The old church of St. Nicholas was erected in the 12th century and part of the crypt and basement walls appear to date from that period. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/419/146/The-Anchorite-of-St.-Nicholas.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/419/146/The-Anchorite-of-St.-Nicholas.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 23:52:39 +0000 The Shambles by day attracted the street musicians, if one could generously call them that, for a few could generally play or sing. One played a concertina outside the Butchers Arms (now the site of Marks & Spencers), and his repertoire consists of The Old Rustic Bridge and Abide With Me. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/418/146/More-Street-Characters.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/418/146/More-Street-Characters.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 22:39:53 +0000 Off New Street are Nash's Almshouses, originally intended, like St.Oswald's and Berkeley's for the aged and to be known as Nash's Hospital. It still occupies the original site, and has given the name Nash's Passage to the narrow way by which it was approached. John Nash, in his will dated 1661, 'gave and devised to 16 trustees, property to be held in trust for... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/417/146/Nashs-Almshouses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/417/146/Nashs-Almshouses.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 22:07:16 +0000 In New Street there is a fine half-timbered building known as Nash's House. It takes its name from Alderman John Nash, Mayor, and twice representative of the City in Parliament during Charles 1 reign. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/416/146/Alderman-John-Nash.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/416/146/Alderman-John-Nash.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 21:41:16 +0000 In 1795, four years after John Wesley's death, the Wesleyan's in the City bought an old chapel in Pump Street belonging to a branch of Independents. It was surrounded by tumbledown houses, and like all the early dissenter's chapels, was tucked away up an alley so not to invite trouble from the mob.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/415/146/St.-Andrews-Wesleyan-Church-Pump-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/415/146/St.-Andrews-Wesleyan-Church-Pump-Street.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 21:23:38 +0000 The City's first Wesleyan Chapel was built in New Street in 1772, and a plaque on the wall commemorates the building. The first recorded visit of Wesley to the County was in 1761, when he preached in the 'Abbey Church' at Evesham.   , https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/414/146/John-Wesley-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/414/146/John-Wesley-in-Worcester.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 21:02:55 +0000 Twelve large inns catered for the trade in the Cornmarket in olden times, and four of them were in New Street. They were the Greyhound (later called the Old Greyhound) , the New Greyhound, the Swan, and the Pheasant. The Old Greyhound was the principal place of departure for Carrier carts. No less than nine carts left the Greyhound for outlying places on Saturday afternoons, around 4... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/413/146/New-Street-Inns-and-Cock-Fighting.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/413/146/New-Street-Inns-and-Cock-Fighting.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 20:23:17 +0000 Originally, Friar Street and New Street was one street known as Glover Street; there was no break where Charles Street goes to the Blockhouse, Pump Street was a very narrow lane, the bottom of which was known as Vine Street.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/412/146/New-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/412/146/New-Street.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 16:33:18 +0000 The Blockhouse was the immediate area outside the City Walls on the east and was part of the Liberties of the City. It was a network of ditches, much like Sedgemoor. Even in the 1850's one remained, with its path along, known as 'Withy Walk', now St Paul's Street.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/411/146/The-Blockhouse.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/411/146/The-Blockhouse.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:52:02 +0000 The site of St, Laurence's Church was outside the City walls, where the burnt-shell of Sigley's Sweet Factory stood in what then prior the Friar's burial ground. William de Beachamp, Earl of Warwick, was buried there in June, 1298, after much ecclesiastic argument and bad feeling..  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/410/146/St-Laurences-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/410/146/St-Laurences-Church.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:29:38 +0000 Almost opposite Tudor House is Wyatt's Hospital, founded for six poor men, by Edward Wyatt, Mayor of Worcester in 1696. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/408/146/Wyatts-Hospital.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/408/146/Wyatts-Hospital.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:15:14 +0000 Friar Street has retained more of its timber-framed buildings than any other street in Worcester. Many of these houses were of considerable size and were once occupied by citizens of substance, but in the 18th century most of them were divided into tenements and allowed to fall into a sorry state of dilapidation. Many of the brick-faced buildings are in fact, timber-framed behind the facade. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/407/146/Tudor-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/407/146/Tudor-House.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:37:12 +0000 Previous to Schaffer's ownership, the prinicipal part of the building was in the occupation of Mr. Christopher Bardin, an old gentleman of venerable aspect, who conducted a private school at modest fees, in the days when public elementary education was in it's infancy. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/406/146/The-Greyfriars-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/406/146/The-Greyfriars-School.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:25:37 +0000 The Greyfriars in Friar Street is the finest half-timbered building in the City. The building was only part of the Friary which took in all the ground occupied by the present building a and that of Laslett's Hospital.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/405/146/The-Greyfriars.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/405/146/The-Greyfriars.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 10:17:27 +0000 Friar Street is the most interesting of the medieval streets left in Worcester, and this is due to one man, Mr Matley Moore, who by saving the Greyfriars building, when  the City authorities of the 1930-50 period had 1st the building deteriorate so badly that part of it fell into the street.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/404/146/Friar-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/404/146/Friar-Street.html Thu, 31 Jan 2019 18:30:24 +0000 The effect of the railways on road coaches in the Birmingham area fluctuated from boom to disaster. Until 1835, six coaches set out daily in each direction to and from Birmingham and Worcester https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/403/146/The-Effect-on-Road-Coaches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/403/146/The-Effect-on-Road-Coaches.html Thu, 31 Jan 2019 16:42:13 +0000 As we congregated at the grave side of Baby Ryan, it was very peaceful and tranquil with the sun shining through the trees just as Father McGinley started his service, a sound took our attention to look to our left..... Whilst we all started to arrive at the grave side, a elderly couple stood in the distance, on looking over l could see the lady was very distressed and upset ..... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/402/146/150th-Anniversary-Astwood-And-the-twist-to-the-turn-of-the-tale-..........html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/402/146/150th-Anniversary-Astwood-And-the-twist-to-the-turn-of-the-tale-..........html Thu, 31 Jan 2019 13:41:42 +0000 Astwood Cemetery 1858 -2008 Graveside Memorial Service for Baby John Ryan 9th October 2008 3pm                                                     I... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/401/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Graveside-Memorial-Service-Baby-Ryan-9-10-2008.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/401/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Graveside-Memorial-Service-Baby-Ryan-9-10-2008.html Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:33:15 +0000 Ceefax 167 Thursday 9 October 2008 BBC West Midlands https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/400/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Baby-Grave-Marked-after-150-Years-BBC-Ceefax.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/400/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Baby-Grave-Marked-after-150-Years-BBC-Ceefax.html Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:20:22 +0000 Not much is recorded about Bridget (nee Butler) or John Ryan, apart from we know John was a Stonemason's labourer and that they came over from Mayo in Ireland during the Potato famine, sadly Bridget became a Prisoner in Worcester's County Gaol, Whitstones.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/399/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Cemetery-The-First-Burial-Sad-Going-Ons.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/399/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Cemetery-The-First-Burial-Sad-Going-Ons.html Wed, 30 Jan 2019 16:29:50 +0000 Unfortunately, through lack of repair by Worcester Council over the years, it was reported in the 1970's that the once so beautiful Chapel required a large amount of work and a considerable amount of money spent to restore them. At this time the Council could not justify spending so a decision was taken to demolish the Chapels which followed in the late 1970's  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/398/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-The-End-of-the-Chapels-Transcript-Page-19.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/398/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-The-End-of-the-Chapels-Transcript-Page-19.html Wed, 30 Jan 2019 16:18:38 +0000 The LORD BISHOP gave the health of the Mayor and Corporation, eulogizing their exertions and again expressing the gratification which he in common with others present bad experience at the day's ceremonial. (Cheers) (Article Credits: Pam Hinks would like to thank Worcester News formerly Berrow' for permission to reproduce copyright material) https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/397/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-3-The-Collation-a-t-the-Guildhall-Transcript-of-Page-171819.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/397/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-3-The-Collation-a-t-the-Guildhall-Transcript-of-Page-171819.html Sun, 27 Jan 2019 19:40:52 +0000 A collation was served at the Guildhall at three o'clock to which the Lord Bishop and Mr. Laslett, MP, were invited by the Mayor and Corporation. There were also present most of the members of the Corporation and of the clergy who had taken part in the proceedings of the morning, and a goodly number of ladies. The edibles were provided by Mr. Mountford, with his customary tact.... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/396/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-2-The-Collation-at-the-Guildhall-Transcript-of-Page-141516.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/396/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-2-The-Collation-at-the-Guildhall-Transcript-of-Page-141516.html Sun, 27 Jan 2019 16:20:23 +0000 The portion of ground which, through the liberality of Mr. Laslett, MP, and the meritorious exertions of the local Board of Health, has been appropriated for use as a Public Cemetery for the inhabitants of this city, was solemnly set apart for its intended purposes on Tuesday last. The Episcopalian Chapel with its burying ground was consecrated by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, and that of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/395/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-1-Consecration-of-the-Cemetery-Transcript-Page-1213.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/395/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-Sat-2-Oct-1858-Part-1-Consecration-of-the-Cemetery-Transcript-Page-1213.html Sun, 27 Jan 2019 14:00:48 +0000 "The works at the new cemetery are now nearly completed: the consecration of the Episcopalian portion will shortly take place. We have previously briefly noticed them as they progressed, but are now enabled to give more detailed description... (Article credits: Pam Hinks would like to thank Worcester News formerly Berrow's for permission to reproduce copyright material, It also... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/394/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-18-Sept-1857-Worcester-New-Cemetery-Transcript-Page-1011.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/394/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Berrows-18-Sept-1857-Worcester-New-Cemetery-Transcript-Page-1011.html Sat, 26 Jan 2019 21:34:12 +0000 For the establishment of an Orphan Asylum he gave £500 and towards building Holy Trinity Church he gave another £500. He built the grandstand at the Worcester County Cricket Ground and in 1876 funded the Worcester Music Hall upon terms very advantageous to the citizens.. But the gift for which William is most remembered, and which has now been linked together with the rest... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/393/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Page-89.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/393/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Page-89.html Sat, 26 Jan 2019 20:21:59 +0000 In 1843 Thomas Southall, later Town Clerk of Worcester, was articled to William Years after Thomas could remember how as a young man he was asked to dine with William at Thorngrove, house and furnishings were magnificent, William having brought the contents of the house from the previous owner. (Interestingly this same circumstances appears in East Lynne). The dinner silver and wines were of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/392/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Page-67.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/392/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Page-67.html Sat, 26 Jan 2019 17:45:09 +0000 We have a description of Bishop Carr's funeral as it was reported in The Times . As said before he died at 9 pm on Saturday 24 April 1841 but was not buried until 10 am on Monday 3 May 1841. The face that nine days elapsed between death and burial is unusual, that it was a private funeral is most unusual for a Bishop of the Church of England. The Times of Thursday 6 May 1841 says: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/391/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Pg-45.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/391/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Pg-45.html Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:42:42 +0000 William Laslett was baptised on 14 October 1799 at All Saints Church, Worcester the first born child of Thomas ans Sophia Laslett. Thomas was a banker whose father had settled in Worcester around 1850. The family were of Kentish yeoman stock originally. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/390/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Pg-23.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/390/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-William-Laslett-of-Abberton-Hall-Transcript-Pg-23.html Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:06:17 +0000 In recognition of the 150th Anniversary to commemorate the first burial following the gift of land from William Laslett to the inhabitants of Worcester. Tuesday 9th October 2008 3pm Unveiling of Memorial Headstone for Baby Ryan followed by Grave Side Service   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/389/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Forward-Our-Quiet-Citizens-of-Worcester-Transcript-Pg-1.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/389/146/150th-Anniversary-of-Astwood-Forward-Our-Quiet-Citizens-of-Worcester-Transcript-Pg-1.html Tue, 22 Jan 2019 18:09:42 +0000 Worcester was the first ford, coming up the Seven, at the head of the tideway which was not unduly affected by the tide, but equally important, there was sharp rising ground which provided a place of comparative safety for those using the ford. This rising ground which Willis Bund called 'the Tump', is that on which the Kings School, Cathedral and the Old Palace now stand. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/388/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/388/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 18:51:44 +0000 The first public toilet for women in Worcester were erected in land off Little Angel Street https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/387/146/Public-Toilets.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/387/146/Public-Toilets.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 18:43:59 +0000 The making of College Street through the Cathedral churchyard from High Street to Sidbury in 1792, followed the clearances of houses which had grown up in the shadow of the Cathedral and around St Michael's church. The fine terrace houses in College Yard were also built at that time. In a house on the south side of St. Michael's was born Lord Somers, one of Worcester's greatest... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/386/146/The-Cathedral-Grates-and-Lich-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/386/146/The-Cathedral-Grates-and-Lich-Street.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 18:16:15 +0000 The County Gaol was built in 1813 in the style of a medieval castle, and because of this, the name of Salt Lane was changed to Castle Street. Mr. Sandy's was the architect, following the principals of John Howard. It contained 90 cells, and was enlarged in 1839 to give 80 extra cells. This was the time of great political agitation, when during the summer, the gaol was excessively crowded... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/385/146/The-County-Gaol.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/385/146/The-County-Gaol.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 17:10:56 +0000 As one would expect in the centre of the town, the City had a 'watch' here who had a sentry-type box for shelter in the churchyard of St Nicholas Churchyard. This was before there was any regular police force. They were known as 'Charlie's, and they were usually old men, and a very inefficient body. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/384/146/The-Charlies.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/384/146/The-Charlies.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:48:00 +0000 The Worcester Foundary was in the Blockhouse, on the canal-side. It closed in 1967 after 153 years of business https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/383/146/Hardy-and-Padmore-the-Worcester-Foundary.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/383/146/Hardy-and-Padmore-the-Worcester-Foundary.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:30:20 +0000 William Laslett was a notable citizen and a Member of Parliament  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/382/146/William-Laslett.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/382/146/William-Laslett.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 15:09:46 +0000 Over the centuries, the City had many prisons. There was the gaol at the east end of St Nicholas Street, a Bridewell at the bottom of Cucken Street (Copenhagan Street) and below the gatehouse of the Foregate were cells which, for a long period, were used as a prison for strangers  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/381/146/The-City-Gaol.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/381/146/The-City-Gaol.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:46:40 +0000 On the corner of Pump Street stands the Eagle Vaults, a good example of 1890 city tavern https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/380/146/The-Eagle-Vaults.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/380/146/The-Eagle-Vaults.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:38:59 +0000 Friar Street has retained more of it's timber-framed buildings than any other street in Worcester. Many of these houses were of considerable size and were once occupied by citizens of substance, but in the 18th century most of them were divided into tenements and allowed to fall into a sorry state of dilapidation https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/379/146/Tudor-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/379/146/Tudor-House.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:16:46 +0000 The site of St Laurence's Church was outside the City Walls, where the burnt-out shell of Sigley's Sweet Factory stands in what was Friar's burial ground  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/378/146/St-Laurences-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/378/146/St-Laurences-Church.html Mon, 21 Jan 2019 12:57:42 +0000 David Cameron has announced that mother's names should be added to 'outdated' marriage certificates, following the campaign by Alisa Burkimsher Sadler who started earlier this year 'the change.org pettion'. He agreed that the content of marriage registers in England and Wales has not changed since the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign. At present only the... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/377/146/Cameron-pledges-to-add-mothersto-marriage-certificates.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/377/146/Cameron-pledges-to-add-mothersto-marriage-certificates.html Mon, 17 Dec 2018 10:36:06 +0000 Robert Whiston, celebrated headmaster at Rochester and reformer of Cathedral schools, was friend and life-time correspondent of James Knight, the Editor of the Worcester Chronicle. Robert Whiston was headmaster of Rochester Catheral Grammer School from 1849-1853. He examined records and found that funds for scholars, and for four scholars at Oxford, were going into the Dean and... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/376/146/Robert-Whiston-the-Worcester-King-School-Endowments.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/376/146/Robert-Whiston-the-Worcester-King-School-Endowments.html Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:59:11 +0000 It was the practice in some parts of requiring widows, on re-marrying, to pay a fine to the Crown, but by the mid-19th century, it had become a thing of the past. Berrow's Worcester Journal reported a re-marriage at St Swithin's Church, Worcester in 1775, which points to the acceptance of another 'legal' practise; A widow, being married again, to exempt her future... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/375/146/Widows-Re-marrying.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/375/146/Widows-Re-marrying.html Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:50:23 +0000 In the church records of All Saints Church, Worcester, is what looks like the usual details of a marriage which took place in the church in 1784. It reads: James Grubb of this parish batchelor and Ann Hand, widow were married  in this church by license this twelth day of May in the year 1784 by me, Richard Harrison, Vicar of Crowle But it was no ordinary marriage. The... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/374/146/Two-Unusual-Marriages-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/374/146/Two-Unusual-Marriages-at-Worcester.html Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:45:49 +0000 Arley Ferry was the most northerly of the Worcestershire ferries, and the last to operate. The earliest reference to it is in the Close Rolls of 1323 when it was referred to as 'the Ferry'. In 1602 there is a reference to a 'passage called the Ferry boate' and it was in the possession of the Lyttletons, who were Lords of the Manor of Arley. Formerly, the ferry... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/373/146/Arley-Ferry-Boat.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/373/146/Arley-Ferry-Boat.html Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:40:34 +0000 When highway bridges became the repsonsibility of the County Council in 1920, it was decided that a new bridge had to be built at Pershore. Unlike as at Bransford, the old bridge was left standing, making a delightful place of historic interest, and one much used by motorists making a halt for refreshments just off the main road. The new bridge was built a few meters downstream of... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/372/146/Pershore-New-Bridge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/372/146/Pershore-New-Bridge.html Sat, 15 Dec 2018 14:29:04 +0000 Introduction The destruction of many of Worcestershire's ancient bridges in the first half of the 19th century on the grounds that they were not suited to the modern day traffic at that time, was disastrous. Many were of great historical interest, and of great beauty, but the County authority, whose duty it was to maintain them have in the past been induced either to destroy... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/371/146/WorcestershiresHistoric-Bridges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/371/146/WorcestershiresHistoric-Bridges.html Wed, 09 Aug 2017 14:13:22 +0100 Mrs Cartwright of Stourbridge bewitched led to Court hearing https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/369/146/The-Tardebigge-Witch-Case.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/369/146/The-Tardebigge-Witch-Case.html Thu, 21 Aug 2014 08:40:14 +0100 In clearing churchyards, grave stones have sometimes to be removed, and in the last century, some stones were used in the making of bread ovens which were in almost every cottage and house of some size. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/368/146/Grave-Stone-Ovens.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/368/146/Grave-Stone-Ovens.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:59:15 +0000 In a collection of Stourbridge newspaper cuttings of about 1950, there were items from a 'Century Old Diary' kept by a Mr. B Leadbetter. There was no identification as to the newspaper, but it was thought to be the County Express. The diary entry was for May 5th, 1849, and it was revealed the fact that the custom of doing penance was still in vogue - but the ceremony of penance was... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/367/146/A-Riotous-Penance.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/367/146/A-Riotous-Penance.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:18:01 +0000 Old Image of Bransford Road, Station c1909 which was a good way from the Village https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/365/146/Image-of-Bransford-Road-Station-c1909.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/365/146/Image-of-Bransford-Road-Station-c1909.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:47:46 +0000 The effect of the railways on road coaches in the Birmingham area fluctuated from boom to disaster. Until 1835, six coaches set out daily in each direction to and from Birmingham and Worcester, but when the London & Birmingham Railway opened, the traffic trebled because it was cheaper, quicker, and much more comfortable to get to London by coach to Birmingham https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/364/146/The-Effect-on-Road-Coaches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/364/146/The-Effect-on-Road-Coaches.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:36:37 +0000 Though French and German engines were used in the early cars, English carriage work which had been so admired in horse carriages, was in wide demand, not only in England, but on the continent as well, and motor cars fitted out in great luxury and style began to flow back. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/363/146/English-Carriage-Work.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/363/146/English-Carriage-Work.html Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:08:57 +0000 The directors of the West Midland Railway took a deep interest in the wefare of the workmen. A remarkable organisation, in the nature of a friendly society provided for sickness, fetes and excursions for families and friends. A Railway Institute was housed in the large rooms beneath the driveway to Shrub Hill Station, which later degenerated into storerooms. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/362/146/The-Railway-Insitute-at-Shrub-Hill.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/362/146/The-Railway-Insitute-at-Shrub-Hill.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:06:11 +0000  There used to be an orchard where Shrub Hill Station stands today and the Engine  Cleaning Sheds occupied the site of an old farm house close by. The Railway opened for traffic in 1852. The Company Directors travelled from Oxford to Wolverhampton and dined at an hotel there.  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/361/146/Shrub-Hill-Station.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/361/146/Shrub-Hill-Station.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:54:24 +0000 The engineers of the Worcester and Hereford Railway originally planned a branch line that was to connect Diglis Docks to the main line at Foregate Street, called the 'Butts Spur Line'. The hope was that big ships would come  up the Severn to Diglis and there the goods would be transhipped to rail.   https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/360/146/The-Railway-Line-That-Failed-To-Get-There.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/360/146/The-Railway-Line-That-Failed-To-Get-There.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:49:30 +0000 For five years, until 1859, Worcester passengers had to use a horse bus to catch the train at Spetchley, 'a huddling of 15 persons in a lumbering conveyance for an hour's tedious jolting', and when at least the O.W & W was empowered by the Select Committee  to build a branch line to Abbots Wood, ( before other O.W. & W  lines were open) https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/359/146/Temporary-Station-at-Midland-Road.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/359/146/Temporary-Station-at-Midland-Road.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:46:40 +0000 The City Council and Chamber of Commerce called for a line from Abbots Wood to the vicinity of Castle Hill (near Edgar Tower) https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/358/146/Suggested-Station-at-Bath-Road-Edgar-Tower.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/358/146/Suggested-Station-at-Bath-Road-Edgar-Tower.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:13:13 +0000 The logical route from Birmingham to Bristol would have been through Worcester https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/357/146/The-Birmingham-Gloucester-Company.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/357/146/The-Birmingham-Gloucester-Company.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:05:12 +0000  The Grand Connection Railway was originally to run from Gloucester west of the Severn https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/356/146/The-Grand-Connection-Railway.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/356/146/The-Grand-Connection-Railway.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:52:34 +0000 Gravitation Railways or 'Incline Planes' https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/355/146/Gravitation-Railways.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/355/146/Gravitation-Railways.html Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 Original hand-coloured aquatint, A View of Worcester c.1779, engraver unknown https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/354/146/A-View-of-Worcester-c.1779.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/354/146/A-View-of-Worcester-c.1779.html Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:57:58 +0000 Painting of All Saints Church and The Well, by Powell, 1835 (Lily Art Gallery) https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/353/146/All-Saints-Church-and-The-Well-1835.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/353/146/All-Saints-Church-and-The-Well-1835.html Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:56:36 +0000 Photo circa 1920 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/352/146/St-Peters-St.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/352/146/St-Peters-St.html Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:55:16 +0000 Swan Steps Worcester, from an original watercolour by David Birtwhistle© David Birtwhistle Published by Birties of Worcester T: (01905) 426077 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/351/146/Swan-Steps-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/351/146/Swan-Steps-Worcester.html Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:54:18 +0000 Image not yet available https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/350/146/Theatre-Royal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/350/146/Theatre-Royal.html Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:53:26 +0000 Built in 1480, this timber-framed house is looked after by the National Trust. Open Easter to October Wednesday, Thursday & Bank Holidays 2.pm - 5pm https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/347/146/Greyfriars.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/347/146/Greyfriars.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:15:47 +0000 On the corner of the Cornmarket and New Street stood the most important house in this part of the city. Now called King Charles House, it was built by Richard Durant, a wealthy brewer, in 1577 as a two-storey house. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/346/146/King-Charles-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/346/146/King-Charles-House.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:14:30 +0000 Great Witley, Worcester. A most spectacular country house ruins, step back in time with your own personal audio tour and listen to household memories of "!Upstairs Downstairs life and extravagant parties. Stroll through the newly restored gardens and enjoy the stuning power of the Perseus & Andromedia and Flora fountains in Europe and now restored. Opening Times 1st April -... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/345/146/Witley-Court.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/345/146/Witley-Court.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:13:21 +0000 Harvington Hall Nr Kidderminster Worcs Medival and Elizabethan Manor House, contains secret hiding places and rare wall paintings. Adimission charges apply https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/344/146/Harvington-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/344/146/Harvington-Hall.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:12:22 +0000 3 miles West off A44 Leominster Road Tel 01905 333224 Open daily 11.00am -1700pm Last admission 4.15. Closed 23rd December to 31st January A fascinating insight into the life and music, family and friends, inspirations and development of one of England's greatest composers. Elgars birthplace cottage, with its inspiring  Malvern Hills views, is now complemented by a major exhibition in... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/343/146/The-Elgar-Birthplace-Museum.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/343/146/The-Elgar-Birthplace-Museum.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:11:20 +0000 Queen Ann style of architecture, the Guildhall is regarded as one of the finest civic buildings in the county. Monday - Saturday 8.30am - 4.30pm https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/341/146/The-Guildhall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/341/146/The-Guildhall.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:04:53 +0000 A phenomenal storm took place at Henwick in 1881. Mrs Millward of Bromyard Road recalled the incident when she was a girl: 'I was  8 or 9 at the time. There was an awful storm. When we left school in the afternoon, as soon as we heard what had happened, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/340/146/A-storm-of-Periwinkles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/340/146/A-storm-of-Periwinkles.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:00:35 +0000 What was described by the local papers as a 'Severe Shock of Earthquake' took place at 5.30 am. on the 17th December, 1896. They reported: 'People were awakened by a loud rumbling noise, accompanied by disturbance of the ground so that houses were shaking, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/339/146/The-Worcester-Earthquake.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/339/146/The-Worcester-Earthquake.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:59:38 +0000 19th March 2002 - 18.22 GMT from Joyce Gramza, Fulton, NY Hello List, I've just subscribed here for the purpose of posting a request for a worthy search effort. I am in upstate New York and don't know much about the UK. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/338/146/Click-here-for-the-transcript-of-all-E-mails-posted-on-ENG-WORCESTER-Lrootsweb.com.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/338/146/Click-here-for-the-transcript-of-all-E-mails-posted-on-ENG-WORCESTER-Lrootsweb.com.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:53:01 +0000 The Company, Hardy and Padmore was founded in 1814 , when Robert and John Hardy migrated from across the Scottish border to set up business in Worcester. Fifteen years later they were joined in partnership by Richard Padmore who arrived from Shropshire https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/337/146/Hardy-and-Padmore-The-Worcester-Foundry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/337/146/Hardy-and-Padmore-The-Worcester-Foundry.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:50:35 +0000 At Worcester there was for centuries a small channel from the Severn, about 100 yards long, formed by an island or ait, just below the old bridge. The channel was known as the 'Little Severn' https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/336/146/Worcester-Blade-Mill-and-Waterworks.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/336/146/Worcester-Blade-Mill-and-Waterworks.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:49:40 +0000 Worcester has always been associated with the metal trades. In Roman times it was an important smelting centre. Their bloomery hearths leaving a field of rich iron slag from Broad Street to Pitchcroft, and from The Cross to the Severn. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/335/146/The-Iron-and-Engineering-Trades-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/335/146/The-Iron-and-Engineering-Trades-in-Worcester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:48:06 +0000 Early Workings: Coal was worked like an agricultural product, and pits were regarded as part of the manorial estate, with leases to let to tenants. there are records of coal being worked in Worcestershire in the 13th century. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/334/146/Coal-Mining-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/334/146/Coal-Mining-in-Worcestershire.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:47:01 +0000 For the purpose of this work it is necessary to use the old boundaries of the Forest of Wyre, which approximated from the Forest Gate (Foregate) of the City of Worcester northwards to the Stour Valley, and westward to the valley of the Teme https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/333/146/Gazetteer-of-the-Ironworks-in-the-Severn-Valley-and-Wyre-Forest-Area.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/333/146/Gazetteer-of-the-Ironworks-in-the-Severn-Valley-and-Wyre-Forest-Area.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:45:50 +0000 Thos Hawkes, 'The Iron King', M.P fot Dudley, 1825-50 John Bradley, half-brother of James Foster, Stourbridge. James Foster, M.P. for Bridgnorth, of Apley Park. Frederick Smith, controller of mining estates and ironworks for Lord Ward https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/332/146/19th-Century-Ironmasters-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/332/146/19th-Century-Ironmasters-in-Worcestershire.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:37:46 +0000 The whole navigation extended 160 miles, as far upstream as Pool Quay, Welshpool, Montgomeryshire. Severn ports could be reached by vessels of the following burdens: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/331/146/Tonnage-Burdens-to-Severn-Ports.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/331/146/Tonnage-Burdens-to-Severn-Ports.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:29:15 +0000 The relative importance of river trade to places on Severn can be roughly gauged by the number of trading vessels which were owned at various places. A list was compiled in May 1756, and published in the Gentleman's Magazine of 1758, xxviii p.277-8 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/330/146/Bygone-Traffic-on-the-Severn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/330/146/Bygone-Traffic-on-the-Severn.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:28:22 +0000 Between 1860 and the early years of the present century large numbers of new vessels were built for the salt trade. They were known among the Severn trowmen as 'Wich Barges', the name being an abbreviation of Droitwich. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/329/146/Salt-Trows-or-Wich-Barges.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/329/146/Salt-Trows-or-Wich-Barges.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:27:31 +0000 The ' Spry' was built at Chepstow in 1894 by William Hurd. She was registered at Gloucester as a sloop, Official Number 99538, 36 tons net, 46 tons gross, her managing owner being Mr.Davis, Stone Merchant of Chepstow. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/328/146/The-Severn-Trow-Spry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/328/146/The-Severn-Trow-Spry.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:26:35 +0000 The Severn is subject to violent changes of level as the flood waters come down from Wales; a rise of 18 ft in 5 hours being known, and heights of 25 ft above average low level is not uncommon, rendering the river unnavigable. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/327/146/Floods-make-Severn-Unnavigable.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/327/146/Floods-make-Severn-Unnavigable.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:25:57 +0000 The last Trow under sail was the Alma, built in 1854, which traded as a ketch under 1943, while the Palace of 1837 carried stone from Tintern until about 1939 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/326/146/Last-Trow-under-Sail.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/326/146/Last-Trow-under-Sail.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:25:03 +0000 The Navigation Improvement Bill of 1849 mentioned that Brindley had been asked to survey the Severn from Queenhill to Pendock in 1763, but his opinion was never acted upon. Also that Mr. Pickernell, the occupier of Holt Castle, had a waterwheel for supplying https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/325/146/Brindley-and-Holt-Castle-Waterwheel.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/325/146/Brindley-and-Holt-Castle-Waterwheel.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:24:02 +0000 The average tonnage passing Newnham (1849) was 363,000 tons, or about 1,000 tons per day. This was exclusive of 205,000 tons that go by way of the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal, part of which is locked into the river again. Ben Devey, of Stourport, a carrier, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/324/146/Average-Tonnage-on-Severn-1849.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/324/146/Average-Tonnage-on-Severn-1849.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:23:10 +0000 The 'Bonavista'  was owned by Captain Hattom of the Angel, who also owned the 'Lady Steamers'. At that time of 1907, she sailed twice daily from Stourport to Holt Fleet after Whit Monday. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/323/146/The-Bonavista-of-Stourport.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/323/146/The-Bonavista-of-Stourport.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:22:34 +0000 The 'Amo' was the largest pleasure steamer in Stourport. She was built of wood at Windsor in 1892, and rebuilt at Stourport in 1904. Registered at London 1896, No 110195. Length 68 ft 2 ins. Breadth 15 ft 2 ins. Deoth 4ft 5 ins. She was owned (1910-18) https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/322/146/The-Amo-Steamer-of-Stourport.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/322/146/The-Amo-Steamer-of-Stourport.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:22:00 +0000 The Severn Punt was a direct descendent of the ancient dug out canoe, They were 25 ft long and 3 ft wide. The sides were of oak, but the bottom were larch. Old Salmon fishing punts had one end taken off. Up until recent years a Punt was on show at the Pond https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/321/146/The-Severn-Punt.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/321/146/The-Severn-Punt.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:20:47 +0000 Built at Worcester in 1881 by Mr.Everton in a shed in Hylton Road. She always seemed to sail with a list to one side. She was named after Lady Alwyn Compton, wife of the Dean of Worcester, 1878-86. She was built of wood, Length sixty one and a quarter feet, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/320/146/The-Lady-Alwyn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/320/146/The-Lady-Alwyn.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:19:28 +0000 Sovereign  Built 1821. Built on the Catamaran principle with two hulls 5 ft apart. Engines to make 6 m.p.h against the stream. Doubtful if she ever reached Worcester as she blew up.SABRINA  Paddle Steamer built at London c. 1846. 90 ft long, 14 ft beam, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/319/146/Details-of-Pleasure-Steamers-based-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/319/146/Details-of-Pleasure-Steamers-based-at-Worcester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:18:24 +0000 Ernie North, skipper of the Severn Traveller. He reckoned he carried 20,000 passengers in the Traveller in 1984, and the sister vessel, the Pride of the Midlands did the same. At the height of the season, the Traveller might clock up 3 or 4 trips in a 16 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/318/146/Ernie-North-Skipper-of-the-Severn-Traveller.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/318/146/Ernie-North-Skipper-of-the-Severn-Traveller.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:17:39 +0000 Steam propelled pleasure craft on the Severn were converted to diesel about 1960. In 1971 they were taken over by Mitchell & Butler's Brewery and run by their special projects departtment under the name of The Worcester Steamer Company https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/317/146/Tankers-into-Pleasure-Craft.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/317/146/Tankers-into-Pleasure-Craft.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:16:48 +0000 Built of iron at London in 1893 for the London Council . Registered at London No 101979. 81 ft 3 ins long. Breadth 11 ft 6 ins. Depth 6 ft 1 in. She was brought round the coast by Frank Roberts in 1922. She is here moored below the Deanery at Worcester. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/316/146/The-Beatrice.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/316/146/The-Beatrice.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:16:00 +0000 The 'Fashion' used by the Worcester City Chamberlain to inspect the Swan Upping at Worcester. Circ 1909 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/315/146/The-Fashion-Steamer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/315/146/The-Fashion-Steamer.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:15:03 +0000 'One of the most alarming steamer accidents which has occured on the Severn in past years took place at Diglis, when a young Birmingham woman travelling in a Stourport steamer lost her life. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/314/146/Steamer-Accident-at-Diglis-Locks-August-1918..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/314/146/Steamer-Accident-at-Diglis-Locks-August-1918..html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:14:00 +0000 The Duchess Doreen was originally named the ' Duchess of York' but her name was changed in the 1920's by her owner at that time, Mrs Bertha Huxter, and named after her daughter, Doreen. She plied the Severn at Worcester in company with the 'Belle' for many https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/313/146/The-Duchess-Doreen.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/313/146/The-Duchess-Doreen.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:13:21 +0000 The Sabrina Paddle Steamer was 90 ft long, 14 ft beam, 25 ft across the paddle boxes; draws 3 ft when loaded, and has two engines of 12 horse-power each. 'Mr. James Wall purchased a London-built steam vessel to ply between Worcester and Gloucester, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/312/146/The-Sabrina-Paddle-Steamer-1846..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/312/146/The-Sabrina-Paddle-Steamer-1846..html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:11:55 +0000 The SEVERN Steamer will run from Ribbesford to Worcester every Saturday, Wednsday, Thursday and Friday. (Commencing on Sat. next, August 19) leaving Ribbesford every morning at half-past Eight, and Stourport at a quarter to Nine; https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/311/146/An-Advert-Announcing-the-Severn-running-from-Worcester-to-Gloucester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/311/146/An-Advert-Announcing-the-Severn-running-from-Worcester-to-Gloucester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:10:59 +0000 'The Severn Steamer which was built in London, and had been plying for some time on the River Severn, it was about 90 ft long by 11 ft beam; and was drawing about 2 ft of water; steams about 10 miles an hour; and was certified to carry 300 passengers. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/310/146/1854-The-Severn-Steamer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/310/146/1854-The-Severn-Steamer.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:10:16 +0000 An interesting feature, from the shipbuilding point of view, was the fact that she was tiller streered, at least she was in her earlier days, though I think she was later on converted into https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/309/146/The-Perseverance-Steamer-Tiller-Steered.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/309/146/The-Perseverance-Steamer-Tiller-Steered.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:08:55 +0000 The appearance at Worcester in August 1814, of the first steam boat owned by the Bath & Bristol Canal Co. exited much curiosity'. R.C Gaut, A History of Worcestershire Agriculture and Rural Revolution, p.198 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/308/146/The-First-Steam-Boats-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/308/146/The-First-Steam-Boats-at-Worcester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:08:03 +0000 In the summer of 1912 the passenger steamers on the Severn ran over 34,000 miles and made over 6,000 lockings with passengers on board, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/307/146/Steam-Passengers-1912.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/307/146/Steam-Passengers-1912.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:07:02 +0000 B.W.J. 20.10.1900. 'A steamer, however short its journey, the moment it leaves its moorings, whether it be Sunday or weekday, may sell intoxicating drink under an Inland Revenue licences. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/306/146/Drinking-Licences-on-Steamers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/306/146/Drinking-Licences-on-Steamers.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:00:46 +0000 In olden times every women - or for that matter, man- who led a solitary life was suspected by neighbours of practising the 'black art'. This was particularly the case if the recluse had knowledge of plants. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/305/146/Witchcraft-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/305/146/Witchcraft-in-Worcestershire.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:55:30 +0000 It was usual for a witch to undergo 'trial by water', for it was believed that,as a form of baptism, the water would reject a disciple of the devil. The thumps were tied crosswise to the opposite https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/304/146/Trial-by-Water.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/304/146/Trial-by-Water.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:53:13 +0000 The Power of a witch to bring wagons to a halt was told by Edward Corbett in one of his local fairy tales. Two old women, who lived in Salt Lane (Castle St),                                         ... https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/303/146/The-Salt-Lane-Witches.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/303/146/The-Salt-Lane-Witches.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:52:27 +0000 In the 1850s, few people living within ten miles of Kidderminster doubted that Becky Swan was a witch. She won her reputation when, being found guilty of obtaining money by false pretences from a servant girl, she prophesied that the magistrate https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/302/146/Rebecca-Swan-the-Kidderminster-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/302/146/Rebecca-Swan-the-Kidderminster-Witch.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:51:42 +0000 Folklore is the study of beliefs and practises once firmly held. Few now believe in charms, in giants and fairies, but less than a century ago people in lonely places believed in them. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/301/146/Edward-C.-Corbett-and-the-Telling-of-Folk-Tales.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/301/146/Edward-C.-Corbett-and-the-Telling-of-Folk-Tales.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:50:10 +0000 Becky had a sister, Eliza Swan, noted for her charms, who kept a diary, and lived in Kidderminster, working as a hand weaver. She was often in great poverty and was sent to prison for debt. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/300/146/The-Witchs-Sister.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/300/146/The-Witchs-Sister.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:48:08 +0000 A notable witch case from Shrawley, on the west bank of the Severn, when Margaret Hill was the subject of many accusations. A child who refused her some oatmeal subsequently fell sick, and when she had been unable to obtain tobacco 'on trust', https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/299/146/The-Shrawley-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/299/146/The-Shrawley-Witch.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:46:56 +0000 Well over 100 years ago, a local tinsmith, William Blizzard Williamson, founded a sheet metal works in Providence Street, and called it the Providence Works. It was small but it became the base of operations for Metal Box's biggest money -spinner in the UK https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/298/146/Williamsons-Providence-Works.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/298/146/Williamsons-Providence-Works.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:30:26 +0000 The head of the firm of McNaught & Co., Mr.J.A.McNaught, was for over half a century acively connected with the business life of the City of Worcester. He was born in Kendal, in Westmorland in 1828, his father being a coachbuilde https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/297/146/McNaught-Cos-Carriage-Works..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/297/146/McNaught-Cos-Carriage-Works..html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:29:28 +0000 Skilled potter and teacher, became Professor of Ceramics at the Royal Collage of Art. In 1959 he left that post to join the Board of the Royal Worcester Porcelain, bringing with him some of his most talented colleagues and students https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/296/146/Robert-Baker-Royal-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/296/146/Robert-Baker-Royal-Worcester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:26:52 +0000 Potter came from a family of potters from Swansea, who came to work at Worcester in the early 19th century. E.W. was apprenticed to George Granger on November 14th, 1845. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/295/146/E.W.Locke..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/295/146/E.W.Locke..html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:25:57 +0000 The son of a Rector of Comberton, Thomas Turner, apprenticed to the Worcester Porcelain Works at Warmstrey House, introduced the 'Willow Pattern' into England, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/294/146/The-Willow-Pattern-and-Blue-Dragon-Designs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/294/146/The-Willow-Pattern-and-Blue-Dragon-Designs.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:25:26 +0000 By the middle of the 18th century 'china' was the fashionable rage throughout Europe. Several attempts were made to emulate the imported porcelain from the Far East, but the approach in England was different to that in France and Germany, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/293/146/The-beginnings-of-the-Worcester-Porcelain-Company.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/293/146/The-beginnings-of-the-Worcester-Porcelain-Company.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:24:05 +0000 Porcelain manufacture in Worcester started in 1751 by Dr. John Wall and William Davis of this city. The cloth trade on which the city's prosperity depended had declined, and there was a search for new industries. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/292/146/Porcelain-Manufacture-In-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/292/146/Porcelain-Manufacture-In-Worcester.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:23:16 +0000 The early engineers were mostly millwrights and smiths, making and erecting mills and gins (or engines). A famous Worcester engineer named Yarnold, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/291/146/Early-Engineers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/291/146/Early-Engineers.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:22:10 +0000 Roman iron workings in the Severn valley were extensive. The value of iron was great, and often used as currency. In a Domesday survey Gloucester paid tribute in bars of iron. In the Wyche Cutting, Malvern, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/290/146/The-Beginning-of-Iron-Workings-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/290/146/The-Beginning-of-Iron-Workings-in-Worcestershire.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:21:18 +0000 Berrow's Worcester Journal of August 15, 1793, announced that 'At Roper's Tea Warehouse, High Street, Worcester, shot is manuafctured, and well-known to be a good article, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/289/146/Shot-Manufactory-in-High-Street-1793.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/289/146/Shot-Manufactory-in-High-Street-1793.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:20:25 +0000 W.E.Tucker was a printer of some distinction. It was he who built the large works in Barbourne, (Northwick Avenue), which was later occupied by R.J.Collins, and later by Messrs Kay.Co. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/288/146/W.E.Tucker-Printer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/288/146/W.E.Tucker-Printer.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:18:17 +0000 For over 70 years, James Plum, father and son, carried on a cutlers business in High Street. They were among a number of old established residents there who lived over the shop in the old manner. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/287/146/James-Plum-Son-a-Worcester-Cutler.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/287/146/James-Plum-Son-a-Worcester-Cutler.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:04:45 +0000 With the closing of the Alhambra as a music hall in December 1869, the New Concert Hall had only the Railway Bell in opposition, and that establishment was not listed in the Era Almanack after 1870, for though it continued as a place of entertainment, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/286/146/The-Decline-of-the-Lowesmoor-Music-Halls.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/286/146/The-Decline-of-the-Lowesmoor-Music-Halls.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:02:58 +0000 The following squib is in the Prattington Collection in the possession of the Society of Antiquaries:'To the Rt  Worshipful the Mayor of Worcester; occasioned by his having said he would suffer neither Player nor Puppet, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/285/146/Strolling-Players-and-Edward-Jackson-Mayor-of-Worcester-1723.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/285/146/Strolling-Players-and-Edward-Jackson-Mayor-of-Worcester-1723.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:02:13 +0000 For over 50 years, St John's Cinema was the focal point of family entertainment for those living in Worcestet, west of the Severn. An old public house, the King's Head, stood on the site until July 1914, when a cinema was built by the Godsall brothers. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/284/146/St-Johns-Cinema.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/284/146/St-Johns-Cinema.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:01:18 +0000 The Apollo Cinema was converted from the Zion Chapel, which had been rebuilt in 1845 with an imposing frontage. It seated 167, but in 1910, the church closed, and the building became a cinema https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/283/146/The-Apollo-Cinema-Park-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/283/146/The-Apollo-Cinema-Park-Street-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:29 +0000 The Era Almanack was published annually by The Era, a weekly theatrical newspaper, one of several appearing in the 19th century. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/282/146/Worcester-Music-Halls-1868-to-1885-from-The-Era-Almanack.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/282/146/Worcester-Music-Halls-1868-to-1885-from-The-Era-Almanack.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:59:41 +0000 The fact that there were two Music Halls in the 1870s, and that Hill called his The Canterbury Music Hall, then the New Concert Music Hall, needs some explanation. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/281/146/A-Confusion-of-Names.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/281/146/A-Confusion-of-Names.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:58:50 +0000 The Alhambra could not, it seems, compete as a music hall with its brash neighbour and its can-can dancers.It had more room however, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/280/146/The-Alhambra-becomes-a-Circus-Amphitheatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/280/146/The-Alhambra-becomes-a-Circus-Amphitheatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:57:56 +0000 The music hall press notices in the late 1960s make an interesting study. It is obvious that considerable rivalry had developed between the Lowesmoor houses that stood so close to each other. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/279/146/Rivalry-Between-the-Alhambra-and-the-New-Concert-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/279/146/Rivalry-Between-the-Alhambra-and-the-New-Concert-Hall.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:57:05 +0000 At the gates of the Port of Lowesmoor, on the eastern corner, was the Navigation Inn, kept for over 24 years by John Hill, a very popular resort of the watermen and others using the wharf, where the usual bar entertainment could be enjoyed https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/278/146/The-New-Worcester-Concert-Hall-Lowesmoor.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/278/146/The-New-Worcester-Concert-Hall-Lowesmoor.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:56:31 +0000 The Alhambra Music Hall was a wooden building with an earth floor, situated half-way between Rainbow Hill canal bridge and the gates of the Port of Lowesmoor, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/277/146/The-Alhambra-Music-Hall-Lowesmoor.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/277/146/The-Alhambra-Music-Hall-Lowesmoor.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:55:21 +0000 In 1855, the Railway Bell was listed in the local Directories as a Beer Retailer, but in the 1860s it must have developed into more than just a beer house, for it is the only music hall listed in Worcester in the early Era Almanacks. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/276/146/The-Railway-Bell-Music-Hall-St-Martins-Gate.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/276/146/The-Railway-Bell-Music-Hall-St-Martins-Gate.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:54:27 +0000 The Music Halls developed in the 1850s from the Tavern Concert Rooms. At some of the better class inns professional singers were engaged and 'entertainers' from the travelling theatre https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/275/146/The-Music-Halls.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/275/146/The-Music-Halls.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:53:18 +0000 There was soon after the War (1947), a theatre group which began an experimental theatre at the rear of the Black Horse Inn, Lowesmoor, persumably in an old stable or outhouse there. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/274/146/Information-from-Police-Inspector-retired-George-Lewis-1988.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/274/146/Information-from-Police-Inspector-retired-George-Lewis-1988.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:52:43 +0000 In the 1950s, a small company of professional actors, filled with the optimism of the immediate post-war years, converted a warehouse on the South Quay, at Worcester, into a theatre; https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/273/146/The-Bankside-Theatre-South-Quay-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/273/146/The-Bankside-Theatre-South-Quay-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:51:57 +0000 Mrs. Teddie Wright, then Teddie Howsen, recalled playing at the old Theatre Royal, Worcester: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/272/146/A-Gaiety-Girls-Recollection-of-the-Theatre-Royal-Worcester..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/272/146/A-Gaiety-Girls-Recollection-of-the-Theatre-Royal-Worcester..html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:51:05 +0000 Was the old Theatre Royal, Worcester, a beautiful place or was it youthful imagination ? I lived in Worcester until I was seven years old. My family was very strict. When out with them https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/271/146/The-Magic-of-the-Theatre-Royal-Worcester-A-Childs-View.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/271/146/The-Magic-of-the-Theatre-Royal-Worcester-A-Childs-View.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:49:53 +0000 At the close of the Theatre Royal in 1955, Mr. Wyatt, who lived at the little tobacconist shop which for 100 years had stood cheek by jowl against the Theatre, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/270/146/A-Rush-for-the-Gods-Mr-Wyatt-Remembers-the-Theatre-Royal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/270/146/A-Rush-for-the-Gods-Mr-Wyatt-Remembers-the-Theatre-Royal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:49:02 +0000 Prominent in all the events at the Worcester Theatre Royal was Lady Carlton. She was an actress of great charm and beauty, and of some renown when she married Artur Carlton, the Lessee of the Theatre Royal, where she 'once played triumphantly in Shakespeare https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/269/146/Lady-Carlton.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/269/146/Lady-Carlton.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:48:21 +0000 In 1805, the Angel Street Theatre became the Theatre Royal, and for a period of about sixty years the dramatic amusement of the City was supplied by Stock Companies, no longer vagabonds of the stroller sort. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/268/146/The-Theatre-Royal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/268/146/The-Theatre-Royal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:46:04 +0000 The Angel Street Theatre opened in 1779 with the same itinerant companies of the West Midlands circuit. Though the provincial stage was a valuable training ground, as the Kembles had shown, the companies were often forced by desperate finacial straits, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/267/146/Cutting-and-Flashing.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/267/146/Cutting-and-Flashing.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:45:14 +0000 The first lessees were Messrs Loome and Windley, and on the evenings following the opening they had engaged a company that performed The Lady of Lyons. The Earl and Countess of Dudley were present, and the Theatre was crowded to excess. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/266/146/The-Theatre-Burnt-to-the-Ground.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/266/146/The-Theatre-Burnt-to-the-Ground.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:44:40 +0000 The new theatre was opened on January 18, 1875, with an amateur performance. Before the play began, the band of the Rifle Corps played God Save the Queen, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/265/146/A-Prologue-for-the-New-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/265/146/A-Prologue-for-the-New-Theatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:43:58 +0000 In August 1874, dissatisfaction with the 'uncomfortable and ill-arranged structure' led Mr. W. D.Deighton to form a limited company, with a capital of £5,000 to purchase and rebuild https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/264/146/The-Theatre-Royal-Rebuilt.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/264/146/The-Theatre-Royal-Rebuilt.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:43:01 +0000 In August 1874, dissatisfaction with the 'uncomfortable and ill-arranged structure' led Mr. W. D. Deighton to form a limited company, with a capital of £5,000 to purchase and rebuild the theatre. Captain Castle was Chairman of Directors https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/263/146/The-Theatre-in-Decline.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/263/146/The-Theatre-in-Decline.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:42:22 +0000 In 1851, Mr.Bennett resigned as lessee of the Theatre Royal and became a member of the City Council. For thirty years he had kept the theatre to a high peak of respectability. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/262/146/Improving-Public-Taste.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/262/146/Improving-Public-Taste.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:41:39 +0000 At the Worcester Theatre in June 1798, Mrs Jordan, one of the most attractive actresses on the London Stage, played Rosalind in 'As You Like it' https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/261/146/Mrs-Jordan-and-Mrs-Siddons.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/261/146/Mrs-Jordan-and-Mrs-Siddons.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:41:00 +0000 Miller's company had not met with the success that had fallen to its rival, the Kembles. In 1783, the two companies performed Hamlet. This was unusual,  and it may have been that the Kembles wished to give the Worcester audiences a chance to compare Mr. Penn https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/260/146/Stars-of-the-London-Stage.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/260/146/Stars-of-the-London-Stage.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:40:12 +0000 Valentine Green, the contemporary historian, described the theatres as 'containing an ascending range of twelve benches gently incurving towards the stage. There were twelve larges boxes, three on each side above the same number below. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/259/146/Valentine-Green-on-the-Angel-Street-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/259/146/Valentine-Green-on-the-Angel-Street-Theatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:38:58 +0000 In the 1770s the old wooden theatre at the back of the King's Head Inn was almost at the end of its life. A barn theatre in an inn yard was not worthy of the fashionable county capital that Worcester had become. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/258/146/The-End-of-the-Kings-Head-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/258/146/The-End-of-the-Kings-Head-Theatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:38:20 +0000 After the Kembles moved to the higher realms of the London stage, a Mr. Whiteley from Manchester, became the manager of the King's Head Theatre. He was mean and brutel in his business dealings, but he was a financial success. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/257/146/The-Georgian-Theatre-in-Angel-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/257/146/The-Georgian-Theatre-in-Angel-Street-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:37:13 +0000 The year following Sarah's success brought both Miss Kemble and her brother John to London. They were a success, though it was obvious that Miss. Kemble's voice and person was not so distinguished as her sister's. John Kemble too, was stiff and formal, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/256/146/The-Kemble-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/256/146/The-Kemble-Family.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:36:01 +0000 At the end of 1775, Mrs . Siddon's made her first appearance on the London stage as Portia, in the Merchant of Venice. It was a disastrous evening. She was overcome by nerves and made the poorest showing, her performance being damned by the critics https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/255/146/Mrs-Siddons-at-Drury-Lane.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/255/146/Mrs-Siddons-at-Drury-Lane.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:35:06 +0000 After her marriage, Sarah's marrvellous tallents began to grow and increase, till her reputation reached even the Metopolis, the goal of every actor. Garrick, then in the zenith of his fame, heard of her and one day at Cheltenham, in the summer of 1775, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/254/146/Garrick-and-Parson-Bates.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/254/146/Garrick-and-Parson-Bates.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:33:40 +0000 Her juvenile beauty brought her much admiration. Her affections were, however, bestowed on William Siddons, a young actor who had joined the company from Birmingham, who was good-looking and able. Her preference led to his discharge from the company. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/253/146/Sarah-Kemble.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/253/146/Sarah-Kemble.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:32:18 +0000 Early Years at WorcesterThe King's Head Theatre was traditionally celebrated as the theatre where the greatest tragic actress of the British stage made her first appearance. Sarah Kemble, known later as Mrs. Siddons, was the daughter of Roger Kemble, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/252/146/The-Greatest-Tragic-Actress.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/252/146/The-Greatest-Tragic-Actress.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:28:39 +0000 Theatrical companies followed each other around the circuit, and their press announcements give some idea of the preparation that was necessary to begin a season at Worcester. In November 1768, Berrow's Journal announced; 'Mr. Kemble begs to inform the Ladies https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/251/146/Life-in-an-18th-Century-Theatrical-Company.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/251/146/Life-in-an-18th-Century-Theatrical-Company.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:27:41 +0000 By the mid-18th century, Worcester had become a centre of social life for a wide area. It was the regular practice of country gentlemen to come to the City for the season of the races and the Assizes; and many owned or rented houses in the Foregate or the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/250/146/Worcester-A-Social-Centre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/250/146/Worcester-A-Social-Centre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:26:55 +0000 The strolling players moving from place to place, gradually began to travel in regular circuits. They usually lived a life of vagabondage and degradation, often in terror of the law, and by stress  of circumstances, driven to meannesses and dishonesty. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/249/146/The-West-Midland-Circuit-and-the-New-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/249/146/The-West-Midland-Circuit-and-the-New-Theatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:25:53 +0000 It should be noted that the playbill states that the play is presented gratis. This was an attempt to defeat the magistrates, who were usually against play-acting. The players could only give their plays by interlarding them with musical entertainments. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/248/146/The-Life-of-a-Strolling-Player.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/248/146/The-Life-of-a-Strolling-Player.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:25:04 +0000 Twelve children were born to the Kembles in various parts of their circuit, four being boys. Roger educated his children remarkably well; John being intended for the priesthood, had a season at the Worcester Cathedral Grammer School, and Sarah was received https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/247/146/The-Kemble-Company-Players.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/247/146/The-Kemble-Company-Players.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:23:41 +0000 The King's Head Theatre was let to travelling companies, and for a number of years it was under the management of John Ward and his son-in-law Roger Kemble, the father of the 'divine Sarah Siddons'. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/246/146/John-Ward-and-His-Daughter-Sally.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/246/146/John-Ward-and-His-Daughter-Sally.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:14:26 +0000 By the early 18th century it is certain that a permanent theatre had been established in Worcester. It was a small wooden building, probably an old barn, in the yard at the rear of the King's Head Inn, which stood almost immediately opposite the Guildhall https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/245/146/The-Kings-Head-Theatre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/245/146/The-Kings-Head-Theatre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:12:40 +0000 For the twelve years of the Commonwealth lay acting was prohibited, but it revived rapidly with the Restoration, and in 1682 there was a 'Pageant House' in the Cornmarket, but whether this was used as a theatre, or a store for the equipment used in this was https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/244/146/The-Restoration-and-Estcourt-the-Mimic.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/244/146/The-Restoration-and-Estcourt-the-Mimic.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:11:39 +0000 Plays seem to have been performed in the Town Hall, for in 1622, the Corporation ordered that in future, plays should be performed in the lower end only, and not in the upper end, or in the Council Chamber; an ordnance not strictly observed, for it was found https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/243/146/Plays-at-the-Town-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/243/146/Plays-at-the-Town-Hall.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:10:53 +0000 Play acting was very popular in Elizabethan days, and travelling companies were paid, surprisingly, from municipal funds. In Worcester, municipal records of theatrical performances exist as far back as 1572, when the 'Low Baylie', https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/242/146/The-Queens-Players.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/242/146/The-Queens-Players.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:09:56 +0000 In medival times plays were a feature of all cathedral cities, and most certainly, Worcester would have seen many companies of players and mummers performing for the great number of pilgrims visiting the shrines of the two great saints, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/241/146/The-Early-Theatre-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/241/146/The-Early-Theatre-in-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:08:46 +0000 Between the pubs, at No. 103 High Street, was R.C.Cole, an old style hairdresser. Until the acceptance of the safety razor, it was the custom of the better classes to go to the barber to be shaved, and at Cole's each customer had his own brush and mug kept https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/240/146/An-Old-Style-Barber.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/240/146/An-Old-Style-Barber.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:06:10 +0000 The early 19th century was the period of beautiful coloured prints of mens and women's fashions. Before 1830, full size paper patterns could be brought at milliners and dressmakers for £1 a set. Foreign fashions were the vogue and flooded in to such an extent https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/239/146/Early-Fashion-Prints.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/239/146/Early-Fashion-Prints.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:05:12 +0000 In the 1908 Worcester Directory there are recorded 70 butchers, plus 7 pork butchers, making a total of 77; but not recorded are the butcher's stall in the Meat Market. In 1930, 85 butcher's shops, plus 4 pork butchers are listed. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/238/146/Butchers-Shops-in-the-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/238/146/Butchers-Shops-in-the-City.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:03:59 +0000 A schedule of shops 1896-1993 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/237/146/100-Years-of-Shopping-in-Foregate-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/237/146/100-Years-of-Shopping-in-Foregate-Street.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:02:10 +0000 In the old days each trade had its own street or district in which to sell its goods. In the centre of the Shambles was the Meat Market and an amazing number of butchers shops were concentrated in the street and the market. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/236/146/The-Shambles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/236/146/The-Shambles.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:01:08 +0000 From the Town Gate in the Foregate to the Liberty Post at the top of Salt Lane (now Castle Street), was the northern Liberties of the City. The land was outside the walls, but under the control of the City Corporation. Before the Battle of 1651 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/235/146/Foregate-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/235/146/Foregate-Street.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:59:33 +0000 In medival times here the life of the City concentrated. An ancient cross with heraldry stood opposite the Trinity Passage. Here war and peace was declared, and royal proclamations made. St. Nicholas Church had a grave yard in front. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/234/146/The-Cross.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/234/146/The-Cross.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:58:35 +0000 Worcester was the hub of the county, containing banks, attorneys, solicitors, physicians, apothecaries, dealers in corn, seeds, hops and other agricultural needs. There were inns with Commercial Rooms, a theatre, assembly rooms (for the Hunt Balls), https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/233/146/Shops-and-Shopping-in-the-Worcester-in-the-19th-Century.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/233/146/Shops-and-Shopping-in-the-Worcester-in-the-19th-Century.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:57:12 +0000 Alfred Watkins, famous for his book 'The Old Straight Track' and Ley Lines, gave a lecture to the Woolhope Society in 1922, at which he put forward the view that place-names containing 'White' or a corruption of White, pointed to ancient salt roads or leys. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/232/146/Alfred-Watkins-and-Salt-Leys.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/232/146/Alfred-Watkins-and-Salt-Leys.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:55:25 +0000 Toothills are rounded hills rising beside ancient trackway, which were pre-Roman places of worship, dedicated to Teutates, or Toot. Lees considered Elbury Mount to be a Toothill, and that the ancient track called Porte Fields which ran between Helbury Hill https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/231/146/Toot-Hills.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/231/146/Toot-Hills.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:54:33 +0000 The old roads were alive with multifarious travellers, and in 1911, an old contributor to a Worcester paper looked back with nostalgia:'The cycle and the motor car have in some measure restored life to our highways, but our modern vehicles cannot invest https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/230/146/Travelling-On-The-Old-Roads.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/230/146/Travelling-On-The-Old-Roads.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:53:17 +0000 In the Worcestershire Archaeological Society's Transactions of 1936, Edward F. Gray of Ripple Hall recorded an ancient trackway going through Ripple Churchyard, as follows:Bredon Hill and Midsummer Hill were once connected by a track, now partly overgrown https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/229/146/A-Pre-Historic-Track-from-Bredon-Hill-to-Midsummer-Hill.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/229/146/A-Pre-Historic-Track-from-Bredon-Hill-to-Midsummer-Hill.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:52:14 +0000 Worcestershire was once part of a large river estuary with the range of the Malvern Hills on the west side, and the hills of Clent and Lickey leading to the Ridgeway on the eastern border. The rivers were tidal to Bewdley at the least, with great areas https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/228/146/Prehistoric-Trackways-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/228/146/Prehistoric-Trackways-in-Worcestershire.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:43:25 +0000 At 12.35 Spring arrived with Tom Crib as second, from Croome Court, where they had been staying as guests of Lord Coventry. Most of the nobility of the Midlands were present, including three peers, but Langon was nowhere to be found. Because of legal difficulties, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/227/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Fight-Part-3-The-First-32-Rounds.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/227/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Fight-Part-3-The-First-32-Rounds.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:41:19 +0000 The match was arranged to take place on Pitchcroft, with the use of the grandstand, for stakes of 300 sovereigns aside, and handbills were circulated. So great was the demand for seats that wagons and temporary stands had to be used, and cost an extra 10 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/226/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Part-2-40000-on-Pitchcroft.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/226/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Part-2-40000-on-Pitchcroft.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:39:32 +0000 The greatest of the county matches, and one of the greatest prize fights of all times, took place on Pitchcroft on Januaury 7, 1824: when Tom Spring and Paddy Langon fought for the championship of England.Spring, a native of Warwick, was the reigning champion https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/225/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Fight-at-Worcester-Part-1.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/225/146/The-Spring-and-Langon-Championship-Fight-at-Worcester-Part-1.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:38:43 +0000 W.G.Grace made his first appearance in the Midlands at the age of 20, and though only 20, he was easily the greatest cricketer in the country. The occasion was at the Boughton Cricket Ground, Worcester, in 1870, with a Worcestershire 22, and the United https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/224/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground-W.G.Grace-and-R.E.Foster..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/224/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground-W.G.Grace-and-R.E.Foster..html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:37:54 +0000 Mr.Herbert Jenner who played in the first Oxford v Cambridge match in 1827, told the following story of a 'demon bowler' when he kept wicket: 'The bowler sent down a ball which broke the bat, the batman's leg, the middle and leg stumps, whizzed past me, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/223/146/A-Tall-Cricket-Story.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/223/146/A-Tall-Cricket-Story.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:36:36 +0000 On the Worcster ground you cannot get away from the Cathedral. The great clock-bell booms. There are occasions when the match is in progress, when the great peal of twelve bells rings out, the very ground seems to vibrate. Every three hours the chimes ring https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/222/146/Cathedral-Chimes-and-County-Cricket.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/222/146/Cathedral-Chimes-and-County-Cricket.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:35:42 +0000 In the Minor Counties days a match with Berkshire was interrupted by a great black sow waddling from the adjacent piggery into the centre of the ground. In the early First Class Days, a Derbyshire match was stopped by a wild rabbit dashing between the players. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/221/146/Cricket-Interruptions-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/221/146/Cricket-Interruptions-at-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:34:57 +0000 Ron Headley became the first Worcestershire batsman to aggregate 1,000 Sunday League runs at Newark in 1971 after 40 innings. Graeme Hick also completed his 100 runs against Notts but this time at Trent Bridge in 1987 during his 31st innings https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/220/146/Cricket-Facts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/220/146/Cricket-Facts.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:33:50 +0000 A great annual sporting occasion during the first half of the ninteenth century was the Dover's Hill Sports. It was held on a grassy plateau above Broadway at apoint where the counties of Worcester, Warwick and Gloucester meet, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/219/146/The-Dovers-Hill-Games.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/219/146/The-Dovers-Hill-Games.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:32:47 +0000 When in 1894, a private company was formed the first Secretary and General Manager was W.J.Pearce, who came from Plymouth, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/218/146/Editors-and-General-Managers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/218/146/Editors-and-General-Managers.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:28:57 +0000 No more than 13 of the papers in the Berrow's group have been established for more than 100 years. The oldest of course, is the founder member, Berrow's Journal, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/217/146/Berrows-House-Output.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/217/146/Berrows-House-Output.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:27:56 +0000 At the end of the 18th century, William Holl, with the encouragement of Lord Sandys, established a new weekly newspaper called the Worcester Herald. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/216/146/The-Worcester-Herald-and-the-Holl-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/216/146/The-Worcester-Herald-and-the-Holl-Family.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:26:36 +0000 By 1836, Henry Deighton was the sole owner, and the paper was printed and published from 53 High Strret (on the corner of Church Street), where the Deighton family had kept a bookshop, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/215/146/The-Later-Years-of-the-Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/215/146/The-Later-Years-of-the-Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:25:00 +0000 From October 11, 1753, the title became Berrow's Worcester Journal. Harvey Berrow carried on the Journal until his death on August 16th, 1776, when his eldest son, also Harvey Berrow, continued the publication, but not for long. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/214/146/Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/214/146/Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:24:15 +0000 On taking over the Worcester Journal, Harvery Berrow issued the following announcement, adored with a curious engraving of 'The West Prospect of Worcester': ' https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/213/146/Their-humble-servant-H.Berrow.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/213/146/Their-humble-servant-H.Berrow.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:22:58 +0000 By 1725, the old title of Worcester Postman, was changed to that of the Worcester Journal, and the imprint, which had been simply 'Printed by S.Bryan' and the date, became 'Printed by Stephen Bryan'. In 1730, the name became the Weekly Worcester Journal https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/212/146/The-Worcester-Journal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/212/146/The-Worcester-Journal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:22:11 +0000 Stephen Bryan served his apprenticeship in London, taking up his freedom on June 3rd, 1706. He had a press in Worcester by 1709 for in that year he printed a sermon by E.Chandler, and began publishing his Worcester Postman. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/211/146/Stephen-Bryan-and-the-Worcester-Postman.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/211/146/Stephen-Bryan-and-the-Worcester-Postman.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:21:19 +0000 It has been argued that even before 1709 Worcester had a newspaper. Local Historians, Dr.Nash and Valentine Green, both linked the Worcester newspaper with the period following the Glorious Revolution which deposed James 11. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/210/146/An-Earlier-Worcester-Paper.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/210/146/An-Earlier-Worcester-Paper.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:20:38 +0000 The Postman assumed a new title c.1720, The Worcester Post or Western Journal. This is thought to counter the Ludlow Postman, or Weekly Journal, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/209/146/Change-of-Title-Worcester-Post-or-Western-Journal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/209/146/Change-of-Title-Worcester-Post-or-Western-Journal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:19:43 +0000 In January, 1701, Francis Burges of Norwich, published the first provincial paper, a four-page foolscap sheet, which he called the Norwich Post. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/208/146/The-First-Provincial-Newspapers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/208/146/The-First-Provincial-Newspapers.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:19:00 +0000 Pekin boasts of a printed sheet on silk which appeared every week for over a thousand years, but in the modern sense, it cannot claim to be a newspaper. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/207/146/The-Oldest-Newspaper.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/207/146/The-Oldest-Newspaper.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:18:22 +0000 The men who supplied the newsheets gathered their news mostly by spending their days going the rounds of the London Taverns and Coffee houses. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/206/146/Early-Reporters.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/206/146/Early-Reporters.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:17:30 +0000 Provincial newspapers did not exist until the 18th century. Before then however, there were newsletters written by 'reporters' employed by persons of rank to keep them informed of happenings during their absence from Court https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/205/146/Early-Newsletters.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/205/146/Early-Newsletters.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:16:42 +0000 The story started with the publication of the single-sheet Worcester Postman in 1690, when the Press had finally won its fight for freedom against rigorous repression and control. The Post-Man dated December 8th to Decemeber 16th, 1710 is the earliest copy https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/204/146/Early-Worcestershire-Newspapers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/204/146/Early-Worcestershire-Newspapers.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:16:07 +0000 Worcester has been an important centre of printing from the mid 16th century. The first of that craft to practise in Worcester began there in 1548. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/203/146/Worcester-an-Historic-Centre-of-Printing.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/203/146/Worcester-an-Historic-Centre-of-Printing.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:14:24 +0000 One of the features of Berrow's Worcester Journal was the comments on local affairs by 'Crowquill'. The nom-de-plume comes from the fact that in medival times reed pens and quills were chiefly used, and artists to this day found a turkey quill, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/202/146/Crowquill-of-Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/202/146/Crowquill-of-Berrows-Worcester-Journal.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:13:17 +0000 Severn Navigation Bill, 1914. Steam Launch 1s. 0d.; Sculling row boat, canoe dingy 3d. Every other kind of pleasure boat 6d.; through locks and return same day. Annual payments: Steam launch £1; row boat etc 5s.; other pleasure boats 10s. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/201/146/Tolls-for-Pleasure-Boats-through-Locks-1914.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/201/146/Tolls-for-Pleasure-Boats-through-Locks-1914.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:10:52 +0000 Thomas Dix's map of 1830 shows an old road crossing the Severn just north of the junction of the River Salwarpe and the Severn. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/200/146/Hawford-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/200/146/Hawford-Ferry.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:06:56 +0000 Kepax Ferry was about a hundred yards north of the old tower of the Worcester Waterworks. Edward Corbett, in his article on Claines, says that this ferry dates from times immemorial, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/199/146/Kepax-Ferry-Barbourne-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/199/146/Kepax-Ferry-Barbourne-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:05:58 +0000 The improvements in the Severn above Worcester had given a constant navigation to Stourport of 10 feet, but for some time after the building of the locks and weirs at Diglis and beyond to Lincomb, the stream below Diglis was affected by the tide. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/198/146/Withybed-Ford-Diglis-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/198/146/Withybed-Ford-Diglis-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:04:51 +0000 At a meeting of the Worcestershire Archaeological Society in 1945, Mr.Alec MacDonald mentioned a discovery in part of the Severn bank, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/197/146/Remains-of-an-old-Severn-Ford-below-the-Cathedral-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/197/146/Remains-of-an-old-Severn-Ford-below-the-Cathedral-Ferry.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:03:43 +0000 The last inn in High Street, the Golden Lion, has sadly closed its doors. Much has been written about this historic 'poltical' inn, but there were others in High Street also of historic interest. One door away, on the south side, stood the King's Head. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/196/146/High-Street-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/196/146/High-Street-Inns.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:53:33 +0000 St Peter's parish. There in 1664, and kept by Mrs.Dorothy Price in 1732. Soon after was converted into several tenements and three stables. At the same time, there was a Mitre Inn in High Street https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/195/146/Mitre.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/195/146/Mitre.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:52:14 +0000 North Parade, Generations of visitors have been intrigued as to the origin of its name. It comes simply from the fact that the rear of the building was part of the distillery, and refers to the rectifying of spirits. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/194/146/Old-Rectifying-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/194/146/Old-Rectifying-House.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:51:40 +0000 On the site of what is now part of the Odeon Cinema. It was destroyed about 1829, and the Atheneum built on part of it, and the Natural History Society and Hasting's Museum built on the Foregate Street part. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/193/146/Cheshire-Cheese-Inn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/193/146/Cheshire-Cheese-Inn.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:50:54 +0000 The Corporation in the old days consisted of two bodies, the '24', which corresponded to our alderman; and the '48', which approximated to present day councillors. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/192/146/The-Corporation.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/192/146/The-Corporation.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:49:41 +0000 Green Dragon, Cooken Street . This inn was built on the remains of an ancient house of great importance at the top of Cooken Street, known as the Earl's Post. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/191/146/Four-Green-Dragons-Inns-in-Worcester-all-of-ancient-foundations.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/191/146/Four-Green-Dragons-Inns-in-Worcester-all-of-ancient-foundations.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:48:26 +0000 In 1690, described as a 'tenement in the parish of St.Peter's, nere adjoynynge the gate of the said cittie called Sudbury gate, and hath been knowen https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/190/146/Kings-Head-Sidbury..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/190/146/Kings-Head-Sidbury..html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:47:16 +0000 That this inn existed, we can thank an entry in the Civil War diary of Henry Townshend, dated June 13, 1646, describing the great seige of Worcester:'the enemy shot off 13 cannons plating chiefly against St.Martin's Church https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/189/146/Cross-Inn-Cornmarket.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/189/146/Cross-Inn-Cornmarket.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:46:25 +0000 Described in 1601 as containing only three small rooms below and three over, with a cellar belonging to John Honnyett, butcher. In 1690 Anthony Hopkins held it. About the same time there was a house called the Three Cranes in High Street, and one called Three Pyes in Lich Street. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/188/146/Three-Cranes-Lich-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/188/146/Three-Cranes-Lich-Street.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:45:11 +0000 'Ye Cocke, at ye Knolle-end, Sidbury', was in c.1570 belonging to Hugh Adams, and was https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/187/146/The-Cock-Inn-Sidbury.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/187/146/The-Cock-Inn-Sidbury.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:44:07 +0000 St.Mary's Gate (Edgar Tower). In 1776, 'the Cross Keys near the Deanery Garden' changed its name to the Horse & Groom. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/186/146/Cross-Keys.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/186/146/Cross-Keys.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:43:27 +0000 On, or next to, the site of the present White Hart, College Street. In 1690, Harry Green, a maltster held it, with Samuel Bryan, the printer of Worcester's first newspaper as his neighbour. It was pulled down previous to 1744, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/185/146/Cross-Keys-Sidbury..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/185/146/Cross-Keys-Sidbury..html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:42:39 +0000 This beautiful half-timbered building is of great age. It appears to have been an ecclesiastical inn, but at various periods, to have been used for other purposes. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/184/146/Cross-Keys-Friar-Street..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/184/146/Cross-Keys-Friar-Street..html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:41:23 +0000 Only the Old Talbot in College Street, and the Cardinal's Hat in Friar Street, remain of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/183/146/Worcesters-Ancient-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/183/146/Worcesters-Ancient-Inns.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:40:25 +0000 From 1830 to 1869 there was agreat increase in the number of public houses, for any person of good character could obtain a beer-house licence for a tenement of certain rateable value. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/182/146/The-Increase-in-Public-Houses-from-1830-to-1869.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/182/146/The-Increase-in-Public-Houses-from-1830-to-1869.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:39:11 +0000 Angel, Sidbury                            King's Arms, Lich St https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/181/146/Worcester-Inns-Listed-in-the-Worcester-Directory-of-1829.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/181/146/Worcester-Inns-Listed-in-the-Worcester-Directory-of-1829.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:38:13 +0000 The Prince of Wales Public House was situated in The Moors, Worcester, a mixed area of good residential houses of quality that kept servants (Britannia Square); of good substantial tradesmen's houses (Severn Terrace); and a lot of very poor terraced houses https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/180/146/The-Inventory-and-Valuation-of-The-Prince-of-Wales-Public-House-in-The-Moors-1878.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/180/146/The-Inventory-and-Valuation-of-The-Prince-of-Wales-Public-House-in-The-Moors-1878.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:35:18 +0000 Angel, Silver St. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/179/146/Inns-listed-in-Lewiss-Directory-of-1820-not-in-1829-list.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/179/146/Inns-listed-in-Lewiss-Directory-of-1820-not-in-1829-list.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:33:21 +0000 Some of Worcester's Inns have been in existence for centuries. In the Middle Ages they gave hospitality to a multitude of travellers; pilgrims to the Cathedral, military personel, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/178/146/Historical-Lists.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/178/146/Historical-Lists.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:32:21 +0000 The Pack Horse was one of the staging houses on the Shrewsbury to London run, but dates earlier than the coaching era, for it is said to have held a licence since 1485. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/177/146/Pack-Horse-St.-Nicholas-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/177/146/Pack-Horse-St.-Nicholas-Street.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:31:38 +0000 The Barbourne Brewery, New Bank Street. The company was formed in October 1900, and originally called Robert Allen, Mumford & Co, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/176/146/Robert-Allen-Co-Ltd-Brewery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/176/146/Robert-Allen-Co-Ltd-Brewery.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:30:30 +0000 Founded in 1869, the brewery buildings still remain alongside Crowngate shopping centre. Taken over by Marston, Thompson & Evershed Ltd (the full name of 'Marstons' brewery) of Burton on Trent in 1937. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/175/146/Lewis-Clarkes-Ltd-Angel-Place-Brewery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/175/146/Lewis-Clarkes-Ltd-Angel-Place-Brewery.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:29:46 +0000 In 1884, Speckley Brothers bought Stallard's Britannia Brewery along with 7 public houses and changed the name to the Worcester Brewery. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/174/146/Speckley-Brothers-Ltd-Worcester-Brewery-Barbourne-Road.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/174/146/Speckley-Brothers-Ltd-Worcester-Brewery-Barbourne-Road.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000 Ceased brewing around 1939. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/173/146/Ernest-Watkins-28-New-Street-Brewer.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/173/146/Ernest-Watkins-28-New-Street-Brewer.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:28:19 +0000 Taken over by Robert Allen in 1907. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/172/146/William-Prosser-Bulls-Head-Brewery-32-High-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/172/146/William-Prosser-Bulls-Head-Brewery-32-High-Street.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:27:39 +0000 The Talbot Inn, now called the Old Talbot, was originally the Church House for St.Michael's, which stood in the Cathedral churchyard, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/171/146/The-Old-Talbot-Sidbury.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/171/146/The-Old-Talbot-Sidbury.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:26:32 +0000 Worcester Cathedral in the period 1100 to 1540 was one of the principal places of pilgrimage. Many ecclesiastical inns sheltered near the Cathedral, catering for the traveller and pilgrim. The first reference to the Cardinal's Hat is in 1497, when the inn https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/170/146/The-Cardinals-Hat-Friar-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/170/146/The-Cardinals-Hat-Friar-Street-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:25:26 +0000 Adam & Eve,  High St. Mentioned in 1778; closed by 1850 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/169/146/Inns-and-Taverns-of-the-City-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/169/146/Inns-and-Taverns-of-the-City-of-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:24:13 +0000 Until 18c. the carpenter was most important in the buildings of Worcester, but then gave way to the mason and bricklayer, just putting in parts of roof timbers. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/168/146/Old-Worcester-Architectural-Notes.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/168/146/Old-Worcester-Architectural-Notes.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:56:22 +0000 Traditionally, the site of the plague pit was on the old sheepmarket in Angel Street, which originally was an orchard belonging to the Dominican Frairy, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/167/146/The-Plague-Pit.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/167/146/The-Plague-Pit.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:55:21 +0000 The outbreak of the Bubonic Plague in 1637 was as serious for Worcester as the 1665 Plague was for London. The pestilence swept away at least a fifth of the City's population. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/166/146/The-Bubonic-Plague-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/166/146/The-Bubonic-Plague-at-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:54:11 +0000 'History is then distillation of rumor' Carlyle 'History is philosophy by examble'. Herodotus 'History is just one damn thing after another'. AJP Taylor. 'History gives us a peep into lost ages, and helps us share past deeds with Worcestershire men https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/165/146/Definitions-of-History.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/165/146/Definitions-of-History.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:52:02 +0000 Before the advent of powder and shot the mace was the yeoman's weapon of attack and defence, It was a heavy-headed club or staff, sometimes studdied with metal, and was the principal weapon of close combat https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/164/146/Worcester-City-Regalia.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/164/146/Worcester-City-Regalia.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:48:01 +0000 City records going back to between 1460 and 1490 (Ballard's Book) mentions 'six pears sable'. A deed of 1569 bears a seal with three black pears; an Elizabethan grant of 1575 is stated to have been made of the use of three black pears for the City Arms. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/163/146/The-Use-of-Pears-in-the-City-and-County-Arms.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/163/146/The-Use-of-Pears-in-the-City-and-County-Arms.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:46:54 +0000 The State Sword of Worcester is thirty three and a quarterinches in length, and the cross guard sixteen and a half inches. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/162/146/The-State-Sword.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/162/146/The-State-Sword.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:45:15 +0000 The Sword Bearer, with his magnificent feathered Cap of Maintenance, is a splendid sight in the annual prcession to the Cathedral made by the Mayor and Corporation. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/161/146/The-Sword-Bearer-of-the-City-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/161/146/The-Sword-Bearer-of-the-City-of-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:43:08 +0000 Sir George Vernon, the last of the Vernons of Hanbury Hall, was an unconventional character. He left the Hall and £66,000 to his farm foreman's daughter, Ruth Powick, whom he had taken as his mistress https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/160/146/Sir-George-Vernon.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/160/146/Sir-George-Vernon.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:42:01 +0000 John Baskerville, Printer and Atheist was born at Sion Hill, Wolverly in 1706. He was a confirmed atheist, yet he printed the most beautiful Bibles https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/159/146/John-Baskerville-Printer-and-Atheist.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/159/146/John-Baskerville-Printer-and-Atheist.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:40:46 +0000 The baronetcy passed to the Captain's two sons in succession, and did them no good. The elder died insane, and the younger became eccentric, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/158/146/Sir-John-Dineley-the-Poor-Knight-of-Windsor.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/158/146/Sir-John-Dineley-the-Poor-Knight-of-Windsor.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:38:31 +0000 The Dineleys of Peopleton, near Worcester, produced in the 18th century some notable and strange characters. Thomas Dineley, early in the last century, was a traveller and artist. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/157/146/The-Dineley-Family-and-the-Ruby-Tragedy.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/157/146/The-Dineley-Family-and-the-Ruby-Tragedy.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:37:38 +0000 High up on Tunnel Hill stands a house on the highest part of the road with 'observatory' windows on the top floor. In the 1880s it had a huge telescope fixed in the windows and many tales were told of the power of the instrument: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/156/146/Tunnel-Hill-Observatory.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/156/146/Tunnel-Hill-Observatory.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:36:48 +0000 Lavender House, a pleasant late 18th century residence, was a stucco building with an ornamental wrought iron balcony, overlooking Barbourne Brook. It has only recently been destroyed. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/155/146/Lavender-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/155/146/Lavender-House.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:35:48 +0000 At the top of Pitchcroft stood the old, ivy clad tower of the 18th century waterworks. It was really an elevated water tank on the top of the tower, to which water from the Severn was pumped by a waterwheel https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/154/146/The-Old-Waterworks.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/154/146/The-Old-Waterworks.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:34:26 +0000 Worcester has eighteen charters in its possession, including two granted by our present monach, Queen Elizabeth 11, which, after the reorganisation of local government in 1974, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/153/146/The-City-Charter.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/153/146/The-City-Charter.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:33:49 +0000 Mrs .Sherwood who kept a school at Lower Wick, was the daughter of the Rev. George Butt, Rector of Stanford and vicar of Clifton-on- Teme from 1771 onwards. In early Victorian days she was the most celebrated author of children's books. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/152/146/Mrs-Sherwood-and-the-Black-Library.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/152/146/Mrs-Sherwood-and-the-Black-Library.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:32:45 +0000 Lady Emily Foley was the widow of Squire Foley of Stoke Edith, and Lady of the Manor of Great Malvern, the daughter of  a Duke, and a lady of quite the old type. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/151/146/Lady-Emily-Foley.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/151/146/Lady-Emily-Foley.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:32:03 +0000 Worcester Mayors have on occasions been involved with scandal and corruption, but normally in the fields of politics or business - but William Winsmore, who became Mayor of Worcester in 1739, was concerned in a melodrama on truly traditional lines https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/150/146/Worcester-Mayor-Elopes-with-a-Girl-of-18.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/150/146/Worcester-Mayor-Elopes-with-a-Girl-of-18.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:31:20 +0000 Lady Dorothy Pakington was one of the most notable of Worcestershire ladies, and the reputed author of a celebrated work entitled 'The Whole Duty of Man'. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/149/146/A-Seventeenth-Century-Blue-Stocking.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/149/146/A-Seventeenth-Century-Blue-Stocking.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:29:59 +0000 William of Evesham who died in 1351, bought a smithy and some land in the Strand, London  (where now stands Australia House), from Thomas of Waltham Cross, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/148/146/Horse-Shoes-Rent-Paid-for-700-years.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/148/146/Horse-Shoes-Rent-Paid-for-700-years.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:29:00 +0000 The first record of a theatre at Stourbridge come's from Aris's Birmingham Gazette of 1752, with the announcement that the playhouse 'would shortly be open by Mr Ward'. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/146/146/Mr.-Wards-Playhouse-1752-Stourbridge.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/146/146/Mr.-Wards-Playhouse-1752-Stourbridge.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:48:45 +0000 The old church of St . Nicholas was erected in the 12th century and part of the crypt and basement walls appear to date from that period. There exists a record of a female anchorite who attached herself to the east end in the 13th century. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/145/146/The-Anchorite-of-St.-Nicholas.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/145/146/The-Anchorite-of-St.-Nicholas.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:47:42 +0000 In the cloisters of Worcester Cathedral is one of the most pathetic gravestones in the country. It marks a nameless grave, and has but one word on it: "Meserriums",  a prayer for the unfortunate whose bones lie below. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/144/146/Miserrimus.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/144/146/Miserrimus.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:47:02 +0000 In High Street there were two sets of public houses. Opposite the Guildhall, at No 31, was The Golden Lion, and next door at 32 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/143/146/High-Street-Public-Houses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/143/146/High-Street-Public-Houses.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:45:24 +0000 All Worcester Priors were mitred. When a Prior walked in procession with the Bishop in the Cathedral, the Prior's crook pointed inward, the Bishop's outward, that distinguished their spheres of office. But if the See of Worcester fell vacant, the Prior automatically acted as Bishop. So until 1981, did his successor the Dean. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/142/146/Worcester-Priors-Mitred.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/142/146/Worcester-Priors-Mitred.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:44:55 +0000 William Tyndale, one of the martyrs of the Reformation, was born in old diocese of Worcester, somewhere near the Severn Estuary, His translation of the Bible into English was one of the great events of the English Church. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/141/146/William-Tyndale-and-the-Translation-of-the-Bible-into-English.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/141/146/William-Tyndale-and-the-Translation-of-the-Bible-into-English.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:44:04 +0000 Among the manuscripts in the Bishop's Registry is one entitled Notitia Dioec Wigorn. It is written by the hand of Chancellor Price in about 1700, and records the changes in Worcester resulting from the Reformation https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/140/146/Notes-on-the-Reformation-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/140/146/Notes-on-the-Reformation-in-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:43:13 +0000 Two Clerks of Droitwich who reseisted arrest by the Bishop's ministers and the Archdeacon of Worcester. 1304 - 'Order to the Dean of Wych to absolve John Colleware and John Barnard, Clerks, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/139/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-Two-Clerks-of-Droitwich.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/139/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-Two-Clerks-of-Droitwich.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:42:00 +0000 Christian teaching was tactitly accepted as the basis of law. The control of the Church over its people and their morals, was complete. The Church not only taught, but punished when it thought necessary. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/138/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-a-Sub-Deacon-and-his-woman-in-1303.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/138/146/A-Penance-ordered-on-a-Sub-Deacon-and-his-woman-in-1303.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:40:34 +0000 The Enthronement of a Bishop in his Cathedral church serves as a formal introduction to the clergy and laity of his diocese. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/137/146/The-Enthronement-of-a-Medieval-Bishop-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/137/146/The-Enthronement-of-a-Medieval-Bishop-of-Worcester.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:39:48 +0000 The Rev. Robery Wotton, Rector of Kemerton in the 16th century had to endure a long and humiliating penance. He was sentenced by Bishop Hooper to stand in his church, stripped to the waist, and bearing a horse's saddle on his back. The nature of his crime is unknown. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/136/146/Rector-in-Penance-at-Kemerton.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/136/146/Rector-in-Penance-at-Kemerton.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:39:01 +0000 The Boundaries of Mercia was at first co-extensive with the Diocese of Lichfield; the first four Bishops of Lichfield (from 655 to 675) are still recorded as Bishops of Mercia. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/135/146/The-Boundaries-of-the-Worcester-Diocese.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/135/146/The-Boundaries-of-the-Worcester-Diocese.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:37:44 +0000 One of the most historic of meetings was that between Saint Augustine and the Bishop of the Britons in the summer of AD. 603. When the Romans left these shores, Britain was by no means abandoned to paganism. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/134/146/Saint-Augustines-Oak.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/134/146/Saint-Augustines-Oak.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:36:36 +0000 The present church in Sansome Walk was built in 1829, the year of the Catholic Emancipation Act, on the site of an earlier chapel of 1764 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/133/146/St-Georges-Roman-Catholic-Church-and-a-Fine-Painting.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/133/146/St-Georges-Roman-Catholic-Church-and-a-Fine-Painting.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:35:32 +0000 Local fairs were generally held in the churchyard and associated with the feast of a saint; and brought gatherings of people from far distances to a holy shrine, giving opportunity for https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/132/146/Local-Saints-Fair-and-Markets.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/132/146/Local-Saints-Fair-and-Markets.html Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:33:37 +0000 It was at the Hop Pole Inn that Nelson stayed on his memorable visit to Worcester. The coming of Nelson had not been anticipated; but during the afternoon of Sunday 26th August, 1802, a rumour of his approach spread amongst the citizens https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/131/146/Nelson-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/131/146/Nelson-at-Worcester.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:40:36 +0000 Almost opposite Tudor House is Wyatt's Hospital, founded for six poor men, by Edward Wyatt, Mayor of Worcester in 1696. Until a few years ago, it was an attractive row of early 18th century cottages, but has now been mutilated almost beyond recognition. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/130/146/Wyatts-Hospital.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/130/146/Wyatts-Hospital.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:39:46 +0000 Friar Street has retained more of its timber-framed building than any other street in Worcester. Many of these houses were of considerable size and were once occupied by citizens of substance, but in the 18th century most of them were divided into tenements https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/129/146/Tudor-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/129/146/Tudor-House.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:38:50 +0000 The Greyfriars in Friar Street is the finest half-timbered building in the City. The building was only part of the Friary which took in all the ground occupied by the present building and that of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/128/146/The-Greyfriars-Greyfriars-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/128/146/The-Greyfriars-Greyfriars-School.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:37:31 +0000 One of the most celebrated characters of the 18th century was the woman soldier, Hannah Snell, who was born in Friar Street in April, 1723. In some local records, she is said to have https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/127/146/Hannah-Snell-The-Woman-Soldier.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/127/146/Hannah-Snell-The-Woman-Soldier.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:35:44 +0000 The Clothier's Company of Worcester was in existance in the 13th century, and was subsequently incorporated by Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth. The later charter was dated 23rd https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/126/146/The-Guilds.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/126/146/The-Guilds.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:34:41 +0000 On the corner of Pump Street stands the Eagle Vaults, a good example of a 1890 city tavern, with 'art-nouveau' tiles and lettering. Until recently it had the best sand-blasted, decorated windows https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/125/146/The-Eagle-Vaults.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/125/146/The-Eagle-Vaults.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:33:55 +0000 The City's first Wesleyan chapel was built in New Street in 1772, and a plaque on the wall commemorates the building. The first recorded visit of Wesley to the County was in 1761, when he preached in the 'Abbey Church' at Evesham. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/124/146/John-Wesley-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/124/146/John-Wesley-in-Worcester.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:33:04 +0000 Twelve large inns catered for the trade in the Cornmarket in olden times, and four of them were in New Street. They were the Greyhound (later called the Old Greyhound), the New Greyhound, the Swan, and the Pheasant. The Old Greyhound was the prinicpal place https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/123/146/New-Street-Inns-and-Cockfighting.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/123/146/New-Street-Inns-and-Cockfighting.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:32:01 +0000 William Laslett was a notable citizen and a Member of Parliament. He bestowed upon Worcester larger benefactions than any who preceded or have so far followed after him, but he was a man of strange contradictions, who frequently marred his gifts by the manner https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/122/146/William-Laslett.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/122/146/William-Laslett.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:31:12 +0000 Town Ditch was a characteristic and historic name, as was Watercourse Alley. The former became an important throughfare to Foregate Street, and to satisfy a sentimental objection became Sansome Street. It is a pity the change was made for both were actually https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/121/146/The-Town-Ditch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/121/146/The-Town-Ditch.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:30:27 +0000 The old castle was long used as the County prison. About 1653, a strong building of brick and stone was built within its precincts to serve as a House of Correction. The entrance was by way https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/120/146/The-County-Prison-in-the-Old-Castle.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/120/146/The-County-Prison-in-the-Old-Castle.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:29:15 +0000 Over the centuries, the City had many prisons. There was the gaol at the east end of St.Nicholas Street, a Bridewell at the bottom of Cucken Street (Copenhagen Street), and below the gatehouse of the Foregate were cells which, for a long period, were used as a prison for https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/119/146/The-City-Gaol.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/119/146/The-City-Gaol.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:28:24 +0000 In 1646, the number of inhabitants within the City was 7,176; the garrison was 2,007, making a total of 9,183, but it was not until the 19th century that accurate figures were available from official census returns:-1801 - 13,670 1841 - 28,250 1881 - 35,072 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/118/146/Population.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/118/146/Population.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:27:22 +0000 The Three Choirs Musical Festival is the oldest and most distinguished of its kind in the world. It started in 1715 as an itinerant music club, giving performances of church music. Later, concerts were given at the shirehalls, and it was not until 1759 that https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/117/146/The-Black-Festival.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/117/146/The-Black-Festival.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:26:14 +0000 No native of Worcester has played a more important part in Enlish history than Lord Somers. He was born in the year after the Battle of Worcester, in an old house beneath the shadow of the Cathedral, which was swept away at the clearing of the churchyard.He https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/116/146/Lord-Somers-and-the-Glorious-Revolution.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/116/146/Lord-Somers-and-the-Glorious-Revolution.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:24:52 +0000 The Commandery has been home to many notable families but none more interesting than the Camerons. Dr. Charles Cameron, the celebrated Worcester physician and his wife (Anne Ingram) lived in part of it in the latter half of the 18th century. Their eldest https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/115/146/The-Cameron-Family.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/115/146/The-Cameron-Family.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:23:44 +0000 Friar Street is the most interesting of the medival streets left in Worcester, and this is due to one man, Mr.Matley Moore, who by saving the Greyfriars building, when the City authorities of the 1930-50 period had let the building deteriorate so badly that https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/114/146/Friar-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/114/146/Friar-Street.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:22:35 +0000 Alderman John NashIn New Street there is a fine half-timbered building known as Nash's House. It takes it's name from Alderman John Nash, Mayor, and twice representative of the City in Parliament during Charles 1 reign. He was born of a wealthy family of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/113/146/Alderman-John-Nash-Nashs-Almshouses.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/113/146/Alderman-John-Nash-Nashs-Almshouses.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:21:29 +0000 The Guild of the Holy Trinity had its religious origins in St.Nicholas parish, and the Hall of the Guilds fell into the hands of the Clothier's Company at the suppression of the religious bodies in the reign of Henry Vlll. It contained a number of large rooms, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/112/146/The-Trinity-Hall-and-Freame-the-Cabinet-Maker.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/112/146/The-Trinity-Hall-and-Freame-the-Cabinet-Maker.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:20:08 +0000 Queen Elizabeth's house is so called because of a tradition that when the Queen came in 1575, she ascended to the gallery to watch a pageant, and address the populace. In those days the house faced a square.Until 1877, there was a portrait of the Queen. painted https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/111/146/Queen-Elizabeths-House-in-the-Trinity.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/111/146/Queen-Elizabeths-House-in-the-Trinity.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:19:00 +0000 The building in the Cornmarket was built on the north side of the piazza, on the side of the old Wheatsheaf Inn. It had two halls, the large one being 97ft. long and 40ft broad, and 40ft high, and was one of the best lighted in the kingdom, having a dome, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/110/146/The-Public-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/110/146/The-Public-Hall.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:18:10 +0000 The Greyfriars in Friar Street is the finest half-timbered building in the City. The building was only part of the Friary which took in all the ground occupied by the present building and that of Laslett's Hospital. Greyfriars was an order of mendicant preachers https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/109/146/The-Greyfriars.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/109/146/The-Greyfriars.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:16:50 +0000 In 1746, a parish workhouse was set up in an old half-timbered building in St. Peter's Street, which existed well into the 20th century. Here for £10 per annum, 'a proper person was employed to instruct young persons and others in pareing of leather. gloving, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/108/146/St-Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/108/146/St-Peters-Parish-Workhouse.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:15:56 +0000 The Worcester County Infirmary opened its doors to the poor and sick on January 11th, 1746. It was founded by Isaac Maddox, a man of great humanity. He had started life as a pastry-cook's boy, and by his own abilities, had become Bishop of Worcester. Before https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/107/146/The-Old-Infirmary-Silver-Street.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/107/146/The-Old-Infirmary-Silver-Street.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:14:54 +0000 The Girl's National School had no special school building, but used part of the old Trinity Hall. In 1819, there were 130 girls being educated there. In the year 1821, disaster came to the school. Berrow's Journal gave a dramatic picture of the event: https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/106/146/The-Fire-at-Trinity-Hall.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/106/146/The-Fire-at-Trinity-Hall.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:13:37 +0000 Well over a century ago, the Worcester Post Office was in Mealcheapen Street, occuping the building known as the 'Shades Tavern', when that area was the very centre of commercial life of the City and County. The building of the two corn exchanges brought https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/105/146/The-Early-Post-Office.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/105/146/The-Early-Post-Office.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:09:23 +0000 Not until 1828 were Dissenters allowed to hold public office. When they did there was sometimes an inclination to break with accepted customs. Mr. Richard Padmore in 1849, was the first Non-conformist Mayor, and declined to have a procession to either the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/104/146/The-Non-Conformist-Mayors.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/104/146/The-Non-Conformist-Mayors.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:41:59 +0000 The old commercial centre of the City had been at the Cornmarket. The main commodity on sale was corn, which was sold by sample in the open air. All around were inns with great storage capacity where the corn was kept until it was sold. In 1824, an open market https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/103/146/The-Drama-of-the-Corn-Exchange.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/103/146/The-Drama-of-the-Corn-Exchange.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:40:54 +0000 The imposing house in Mealcheapen Street, almost opposite the Reindeer Inn, was recently known as the Shades Tavern, but originally, it was the home of the Russell family, one of the principal families in St.Martin's parish, the Berkeleys and the Nashes being https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/102/146/The-Shades.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/102/146/The-Shades.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:39:59 +0000 The Cornmarket was for centuries the principal market place of the City. Besides commerce the space was used for all sorts of activities. The stocks and pillory stood there, and on occasions, at 2pm trading stopped and punishments administered. Public whippings https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/101/146/The-Cornmarket.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/101/146/The-Cornmarket.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:39:09 +0000 St.Paul's district was until about 1830 a very swampy area known as Blockhouse Fields. The first St. Paul's Church was built in 1835-37 soon after the first housing development began. It was a typical 'Commissioners Church' in the semi-Gothic style, having https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/100/146/St.Pauls-and-Woodbine-Willie.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/100/146/St.Pauls-and-Woodbine-Willie.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:37:12 +0000 For a century, the Blockhouse was dominated by the Providence Works, and within ten years of George Williamson going into the business, the labour force increased from 400 to well over 1,000, and the works had become one of the largest of its kind in the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/99/146/George-Williamson.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/99/146/George-Williamson.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:33:57 +0000 At the corner of Providence Street and Temperance Street stood the Temperance Hall, a large building of two -colour brick, dating from the 1860s. It was remarkable for the text made from letters of couloured brick 2ft. high or over, which ran around the external https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/98/146/The-Temperance-Hall-and-The-Hall-of-Science.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/98/146/The-Temperance-Hall-and-The-Hall-of-Science.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:32:57 +0000 'Buy!  Buy!  Buy!  Saturday night in the Shambles, after 9 o'clock, was like a medival fair, with butchers vying with each other to auction unsold meat. Until about 1930, few butchers had any form of refridgeration, and meat was sold off cheaply, rather than https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/97/146/The-Shambles.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/97/146/The-Shambles.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:31:51 +0000 In earlier days therewere two main types of toroughfares within the City, these were the paved 'streets', usually set with round cobble stones, and the others were of the natural earth surface, hardened with use, called 'lanes'. When the lanes were paved https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/96/146/Old-Street-Names.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/96/146/Old-Street-Names.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:30:29 +0000 The ancient boundaries of the City comprised 318 acres, and had remained unchanged since medival times, but in 1835 the Municipal Reform Act brought great changes in the government of the City, and in 1837 the Liberties were absorbed into the City and its https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/95/146/Changes-in-the-City-Boundaries.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/95/146/Changes-in-the-City-Boundaries.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:29:42 +0000 The Berkeley Mansion in the Cornmarket, now called King Charle's House, from which Charles ll escaped at the Battle of Worcester in 1651, was the home of Rowland Berkeley and his wife Catherine. They were married in Easter week in 1574, and lived there fo https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/94/146/Judge-Berkeley-and-Spetchley-Park.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/94/146/Judge-Berkeley-and-Spetchley-Park.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:28:32 +0000 One of those sons, Robert, born at Spetchley House in 1584, became Sir, Robert Berkeley, but was better known as Judge Berkeley. He in the face of great parliamentary pressure, ruled that Charles 1 could raise 'Ship Money'. Parliament sent Black Rod and arrested https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/93/146/Judge-Berkeley-and-Hidden-Treasure..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/93/146/Judge-Berkeley-and-Hidden-Treasure..html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:27:12 +0000 It was founded by Bishop Wulstan at the end of the 17th century, for a master, four brethren and a chaplain. The establishment was at once religious and charitable, and was one of the houses established outside the walls (like Oswald's), catering for the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/92/146/The-Commandery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/92/146/The-Commandery.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:26:12 +0000 Outside the City Walls were the Liberties of the City, a narrow belt of land which, for the most part. lay within arrow-flight of the embattlements, over which the municipally exercised control. They were mainly kitchen gardens and cow pastures, and the remained https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/91/146/The-Liberties-of-the-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/91/146/The-Liberties-of-the-City.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:25:10 +0000 The Tything had long been part of a spasmodic ribbon development along the road leading north from the Foregate, to beyond St.Oswald's Hospital, but well into the 19th century there were fields on both sides of the road, where harvest was reaped and stubble https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/90/146/The-Tything-of-Whitstone.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/90/146/The-Tything-of-Whitstone.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:23:56 +0000 The ancient boundaries of the City of Worcester comprised 318 acres, and so it remained until 1837. By 1905, they were 10 times as much, and there have been many further extensions since. In the 16th and 17th centuries building had extended outside the Forest https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/89/146/The-Growth-of-the-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/89/146/The-Growth-of-the-City.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:23:00 +0000 Willis Bund gave a clear outline of the walls in his paper The City of Worcester During the Great Civil War. He wrote: 'The line of the walls was as follows: Starting at the bottom of Dolday, which was then an important street .... There was on the bridge https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/88/146/The-City-Walls-and-Gates.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/88/146/The-City-Walls-and-Gates.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:21:03 +0000 The Council of War. On June 27, 1646, during the great seige of Worcester. Colonel Washington (an ancester of George) who was the City Governor, held a Council of War in the Great Chamber to consider their position. Things were in a hopeless state for the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/87/146/Three-Incidents-at-the-Old-Palace.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/87/146/Three-Incidents-at-the-Old-Palace.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:19:51 +0000 Until the year 1842, the Old Palace was the official residence of the Bishop of Worcester. He also had Hartlebury Castle and a London House, but a Royal Commision, looking into the Church Revenues with reforming zeal, concluded that the Bishop had no need https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/86/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/86/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:18:28 +0000 On the corner of the Cornmarket and New Street stood the most important house in this part of the City. It is now called King Charle's House, but it is the much mutilated Berkeley mansion. It once had three storeys, but a great fire destroyed the upper story https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/85/146/King-Charles-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/85/146/King-Charles-House.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:17:19 +0000 Edgar Tower was, until the late 19th century, known as St.Mary's Gate, and was the main gate to the royal castle and priory. After the disastrous fire of 1202, when the City and Cathedral were burnt, John ordered the Sheriff of Worcester to obtain wood and https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/84/146/Edgar-Tower.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/84/146/Edgar-Tower.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:16:20 +0000 Eaton's History ends the account of the opening of the Tomb of King John in the Cathedral, a gentleman of this city took a handfull of the skeletons of skins of maggots that were in and about the abdomen of the body and angled with them in the Severn, and https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/83/146/Eatons-Concise-History-of-Worcester-1829.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/83/146/Eatons-Concise-History-of-Worcester-1829.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:14:32 +0000 Two important royal tombs can be seen in Worcester Cathedral. That of King John, believed to bear the earliest royal effigy taken from life, and that of Prince Arthur, the eldest son of Henry Vlll, often said to be the most beautiful tomb of all in British https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/82/146/The-Royal-Tombs.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/82/146/The-Royal-Tombs.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:13:25 +0000 Two years later, following Henry V111s quarrel with the Pope,on January 16th, 1540, the Priory of Worcester also came to an end, and after 580 years of occupation by the Prior and monks, the monastic buildings and estates were surrendered into the hands of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/81/146/The-Dissolution.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/81/146/The-Dissolution.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:12:19 +0000 The shrines of Oswald and Wulstan were the most popular of the Midland religious shrines in the 13th and 14th centuries. The great re-building of the Cathedral in the 13th century, the choir and Lady Chapel, were made possible by the fame of the Saints o https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/80/146/The-Shrines-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/80/146/The-Shrines-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:11:22 +0000 From time immemorial the Prior and the monks of Worcester (the forerunners of the Dean and Chapter) were exempt from municipal authority. This was confirmed by Henry 1V, who in the year 1400, ordained that: 'No bailiffs, serjeants, ministers or other persons https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/79/146/The-Cathedral-and-the-City.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/79/146/The-Cathedral-and-the-City.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:10:10 +0000 In 1624, the King's Players were here twice; and in 1626, Lord Dudley's Players came. It was the practice for actors to range themselves under the name of powerful nobleman for the protection and benefits which that patronage gave. The greatest in the land https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/78/146/The-Plague-and-Puritans.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/78/146/The-Plague-and-Puritans.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:09:11 +0000 The privileges of Sanctuary were granted to the Cathedral in 712. The area of the Sanctuary formed a circuit around the Cathedral, coming up from the river at the Water Gate, between the College Green and the site of the old Castle ( now the King's School https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/77/146/The-Sanctuary-at-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/77/146/The-Sanctuary-at-Worcester.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:08:05 +0000 Oswald became Bishop of Worcester in 961, at the time of the Danish raids, and when Christian life was well nigh impossible. He saw the solution in the revival of monastic life, the monasteries being a refuge where men could flee from the lawless and sensual https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/76/146/The-Early-Cathedrals-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/76/146/The-Early-Cathedrals-of-Oswald-and-Wulstan.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:05:51 +0000 Worcester was the first ford, coming up the Severn, at the head of the tideway which was not unduly affected by the tide, but equally important, there was sharpe rising ground which provided a place of comparative safety for those using the ford. This rising https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/75/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/75/146/The-Beginnings-of-Worcester.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:04:37 +0000 Historic memory can span the centuries with just a few lives. Bill remembered J.W.Willis Bund, who when a boy, knew an old lady, who told him that her nurse's father, as a young man, was on duty at Worcester Bridge during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/74/146/Links-with-the-Past.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/74/146/Links-with-the-Past.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:03:33 +0000 The company was registered in July 1917 as a subsidiary of Hitchman & Co Ltd of Chipping Norton. It was taken over by Hunt Edmunds & Co Ltd of Banbury in 1924, when it had 13 public houses, though brewing continued until 1929. Hunt Edmunds were themselves https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/73/146/Harpers-Hitchmans-Ltd-Lowesmoor-Brewery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/73/146/Harpers-Hitchmans-Ltd-Lowesmoor-Brewery.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:59:51 +0000 Worcestershire was once part of a large river estuary with the range of the Malvern Hills on the west side, and the hills of Clent and Lickey leading to the Ridgeway on the eastern border. The rivers were tidal to Bewdley at the least, with great areas of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/72/146/Prehistoric-Trackways-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/72/146/Prehistoric-Trackways-in-Worcestershire.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:58:18 +0000 In High Street, Mr. W.H.Elgar (the father of Edward) had a shop which he founded in the early 1860's. He had come to Worcester in 1841 from Dover as a pianist and tuner for a London firm of pianoforte makers. He was joined by his brother, and the business https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/71/146/The-Elgars-Father-and-Son.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/71/146/The-Elgars-Father-and-Son.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:57:11 +0000 Next to the Powick Lane entrance of Lady Huntingdon's Church, at the end of the row of Walgrove's Almshouses, was the Fire Engine House, of the Birmingham Fire Office. It and the almshouses were demolished in the 1950's.     In 1840, it was described as https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/70/146/The-Fire-Engine-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/70/146/The-Fire-Engine-House.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:56:11 +0000 1812 was a year of famine. The failure of the harvest caused wheat to rise to £1 a bushel. (a terribly high price in those days).  Wheaten bread was unprocurable, and those who could afford flour mixed it with other ingredients. A portion of rice was officially https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/69/146/1812-A-Year-of-Famine.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/69/146/1812-A-Year-of-Famine.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:54:44 +0000 Rural life changed fundamentally between 1880 and 1914. The custom of deduction to wages in lieu of drink was in wide disfavour. In Worcester, Temperance Societies were actively campaigning against the supplying of beer and cider in the hay and harvest fields https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/68/146/The-Truck-Acts-and-Cider-for-Farm-Workers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/68/146/The-Truck-Acts-and-Cider-for-Farm-Workers.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:53:22 +0000 At St. Catherine's Hill, London Road, lived Edward F Corbett, a successful solicitor who became a local historian. His firm was something of a legal institution in the city, and many well-known men in the legal profession received their training at his hands https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/67/146/The-Corbetts-Father-Son.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/67/146/The-Corbetts-Father-Son.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:52:27 +0000 A relic of Victorian philanthropy exists in Henwick Road. Now used as a YMCA hostel, it was formerly the Royal Albert Orphanage. The building was large and costly, designed by William Watkins, a native of Rushock, near Droitwich, and errected in 1869 for https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/66/146/The-Royal-Albert-Orphange.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/66/146/The-Royal-Albert-Orphange.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:50:51 +0000 On the corner of the Cornmarket and New Street stood the most important house in this part of the city. Now called King Charles House, it was built by Richard Durant, a wealthy brewer, in 1577 as a two-storey house.At the time of the Civil War Mr Edward Durant https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/65/146/King-Charles-House.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/65/146/King-Charles-House.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:49:03 +0000 The present building is the second church on the site. The first was built in 1773, in the garden of a large town house; the area being much favoured by the well-to-do in the 16th and 17th centuries. By the time of the Church's foundation the area had already https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/64/146/Lady-Huntingdons-Church.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/64/146/Lady-Huntingdons-Church.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:48:20 +0000 Alderman Lewis seems to have been the only man to be three times mayor of Worcester - in 1844, 1845 and 1846. On the last occasion Edward Lloyd had been installed but died soon after his election and Lewis. then deputy mayor, undertook the office for the https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/63/146/Alderman-William-Lewis.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/63/146/Alderman-William-Lewis.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:47:16 +0000 At the bottom of Rainbow Hill, at the juction with Tolladine Road, was a turnpike gate which until the 1860s marked the boundary between town and country. All beyond was green pastures and orchards and Rainbow Hill was a rural and picturesque place, with https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/62/146/Rainbow-Hill-and-Doctor-Dixon.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/62/146/Rainbow-Hill-and-Doctor-Dixon.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:45:36 +0000 Today, it is hard to believe that before 1899 the citizens of Worcester had not the privilege of roaming at will over Pitchcroft.Pitchcroft was owned by several people and they were not distinguishable but could only be delineated on the Tythe Map. There https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/61/146/Pitchcroft-and-the-fight-to-get-public-possession.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/61/146/Pitchcroft-and-the-fight-to-get-public-possession.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:44:26 +0000 Until the year 1842, the Old Palace was the official residence of the Bishop of Worcester. He also had Hartlebury Castle and a London House, but a Royal Commision, looking into Church Revenues with reforming zeal, concluded that the Bishop had no need for https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/60/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/60/146/The-Old-Palace-Deansway.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:43:02 +0000 The Athenaeum was founded in January, 1829, on the model of a Mechanic's Institute. The building was a gift from William Laslett, erected in 1834, and was behind the Museum of Natural History in Foregate Street; being approached by way of the 'Athenaeum Court' https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/59/146/The-Athenaeum.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/59/146/The-Athenaeum.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 08:41:55 +0000 Retribution for highway robbery came in other, official, ways. The Worcester Herald of March 18, 1820, reported that 'Robert Hollick, commited at the last Assizes for stopping and robbing on the highway in the parish of Claines, Thomas Gittins and Thomas https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/58/146/Highwayman-at-Claines-Executed.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/58/146/Highwayman-at-Claines-Executed.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:51:39 +0000 The area west of Bilford Road belonged to the Blanket family until the close of the Wars of the Roses, when for five generations it was in possession of the Freres. After the late Elizabethan period it passed through several hands, but around 1820, it was https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/57/146/The-Blanquets.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/57/146/The-Blanquets.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:50:23 +0000 At the suppression of the religious houses by King Henry V111, the Commandery came to the Crown, and was granted to Christ Church College, Oxford. Under the College, the Wylde family held it for 250 years. It became their prinicipal seat, and gave their name https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/56/146/The-Wyldes-of-the-Commandery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/56/146/The-Wyldes-of-the-Commandery.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:49:06 +0000 Of the four greatest roads built by the Romans in Britain, only one, the Foss Way, touched the area of modern Worcestershire, and that at the two outlying 'island' parts, which have now been lost to us by the re-drawing of the county borders. The two most https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/55/146/Roman-Roads-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/55/146/Roman-Roads-in-Worcestershire.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:47:23 +0000 Issac Wedley died in January 1941. He was organist of Stourport Church at the age of 20, and continued until his death at the age of 76. He travelled the countryside the hard way; climbing Snowdon four times, Cader Idris, Black Combe and the shoulder of Scawfell https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/54/146/Isaac-Wedley-Antiquarian-Author-and-Organist.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/54/146/Isaac-Wedley-Antiquarian-Author-and-Organist.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:45:57 +0000 A notable witch case from Shrawley, on the west bank of the Severn, when Margaret Hill was the subject of many accusations. A child who refused her some oatmeal subsequently fell sick, and when she had been unable to obtain tobacco 'on trust', the shopkeeper's https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/53/146/The-Shrawley-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/53/146/The-Shrawley-Witch.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:44:26 +0000 Worcester Cathedral in the period 1100 to 1540 was one of the principal places of pilgrimage. Many ecclesiastical inns sheltered near the Cathedral, catering for the traveller and pilgrim. The first reference to the Cardinal's Hat is in 1497, when the inn https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/52/146/The-Cardinals-Hat-Friar-Street-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/52/146/The-Cardinals-Hat-Friar-Street-Worcester.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:42:09 +0000 Roman iron workings in the Severn valley were extensive. The value of iron was great, and often used as currency. In a Domesday survey Gloucester paid tribute in bars of iron. In the Wyche Cutting, Malvern, in 1856, 200 bars of iron was found. Evidence of https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/51/146/The-Beginning-of-Iron-Workings-in-Worcestershire.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/51/146/The-Beginning-of-Iron-Workings-in-Worcestershire.html Sun, 15 Jan 2012 07:40:29 +0000 Valentine Green related a grim story of a Mrs Glover, who lived next to the church, and who lost her two children by smallpox. The grief so unhinged the mother's mind that her husband had to take her away from home whenever a funeral was to take place at https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/49/146/Died-of-Grief.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/49/146/Died-of-Grief.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:46:34 +0100 A disaster in 1703 is entered in red in All Saints church records:'James Collins, his wife Ann and 7 children, all burnt together in their house. The maidservant was the only one in the house to escape, and she with a broken limb' - but she later went into https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/48/146/All-Saints-disaster.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/48/146/All-Saints-disaster.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:45:05 +0100 St Richard's Hospice is a local, independent Worcestershire Charity caring for people with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Last Year, more than 1000 patients and their families were supported free of charge. The Charity relies on voluntary income https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/47/146/St-Richards-Hospice.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/47/146/St-Richards-Hospice.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:43:20 +0100 Dating back to the 1500s, the headquarters of Charles ll prior to the Battle of Worcester, now showing various exhibitions including "Civil War", "The Commandery Chronicle" and "Lives and Legacies". Hands on fun, video displays and other events throught the year. Monday-Saturday  10am - 5pm     Sunday 1.30pm - 5pm https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/46/146/The-Commandery.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/46/146/The-Commandery.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:41:15 +0100 Visit Worcester Cathedral  https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/45/146/The-Cathedral.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/45/146/The-Cathedral.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:37:44 +0100 Having gathered and documented your family's history, why not now add some photograpic records to your work. I am willing to travel to any location in Worcestershire.I will take pictures of buildings, tombstones  or any specific request according to your https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/44/146/Location-Grave-photography-service.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/44/146/Location-Grave-photography-service.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:33:53 +0100 Begin By Writing down everything you know about your parents, grandparents and other members of your family.Gather all old letters, documents, photographs and heirlooms to see what they can tell you about your family's history.Talk to older relations to see https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/43/146/Advice-for-beginners.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/43/146/Advice-for-beginners.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:31:35 +0100 The foundation of this school in 1714 was due to most unusual circumstances - a double murder in a village a few miles from Worcester. An account of the affair was given in Berrow's Journal of 1831, as follows: 'In the night of the 7th November, 1707, Mrs https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/42/146/Bishop-Lloyds-Charity-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/42/146/Bishop-Lloyds-Charity-School.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:28:06 +0100 Moore's Charity, sometimes called the Blue-coat Hospital was the earliest provision for the education of the labouring poor. Founded in 1626, by Thomas Moore, Alderman of Worcester, and Anne, sister of Sir Robert Berkeley  for bringing up poor children whose https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/41/146/Moores-Blue-Coat-School.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/41/146/Moores-Blue-Coat-School.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:26:32 +0100 1802   January 20.  A hurricane occurred doing great damage in the city and around. The windmill at Kempsey was set on fire by the sails being whirled round with so great rapidity.1808   July 15.   A most awful tempest. The thunder continued in one https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/40/146/Great-Storms-1880s.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/40/146/Great-Storms-1880s.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:23:59 +0100 The first definite record of a great flood is that of October 1484, when the ill-fated campaign of the Duke of Buckingham against Richard lll, was brought to a halt by the great Severn flood which barred his way across England, and was passed into folk-memory https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/39/146/Memorable-floods-and-frosts.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/39/146/Memorable-floods-and-frosts.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:21:16 +0100 Worcester City and County have always supplied a goodly proportion of men for the armed forces.The City had its own Artillery Company, and in 1684, it was directed as to their apparel " It was agreed by ye Common Council that ye pike men have white feathers https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/36/146/Worcester-Corporation-Artillery-Company.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/36/146/Worcester-Corporation-Artillery-Company.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:17:05 +0100 After 63 years, follow the story  of Albie Thompson and his unfailing love for Mary Crampton written by Kathleen Lawarence-SmithE.mail me now to order a copy which is now limited stock priced at 6.95 plus p&p Not to be missed https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/34/146/The-long-awaited-book.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/34/146/The-long-awaited-book.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:29:04 +0100 When I met Mary, she spoke of how she had waved goodbye to Albi and how her faith and her patience kept her believing that someday Albi would be back home. Albi was known to be a religious person and was a choir boy at St.John's Church in Worcester before https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/35/146/60-years-later.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/35/146/60-years-later.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:26:40 +0100 Lord Paget, 1563-63. Earl of Leicester, owned ironworks near Cleobury Mortimer, 1563-76. Earl of Shrewsbury, had furnace and forge, 1564. John Littleton, 1566-70. Richard Hanbury, 1578, of Elmley Lovett. Established ironworks at Pontypool. His descendant https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/33/146/Iron-Masters-in-the-Midlands-16th-and-17th-Centuries.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/33/146/Iron-Masters-in-the-Midlands-16th-and-17th-Centuries.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:21:52 +0100 The Making of Iron About 5% of the eath's crust is of iron. All iron ore are used in ironworks are combinations of iron and oxygen - the oxygen being removed to obtain usable iron. At one time, only ore with 40% iron was used, but now with new techniques https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/32/146/Iron-Workings.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/32/146/Iron-Workings.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:20:27 +0100 'Crowquill' of the Berrow's Worcester Journal of 5 September, 1931 gave the following details of early steamers on the Severn. 'Until 50 years ago there was only one steamer at Worcester plying up and down the river. Then a second arrived, and in the closing https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/31/146/Pleasure-Steamers-on-the-Severn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/31/146/Pleasure-Steamers-on-the-Severn.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:43:51 +0100 'At the hop-picking season tatterdemalion hordes of pickers came out from the city, and wagons were sent to the 'Well', in front of All Saints Church for a 6.30 am start. From the river one could hear the Severn Steamer, the 'Holt Castle', hooting a warning, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/30/146/The-Holt-Castle.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/30/146/The-Holt-Castle.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:42:45 +0100 Again at Worcester, shortly before the Ursula Corbett case, a woman and her daughter, and a man, all from Kidderminster, were put through the barbarous trial by water. They were flung into the Severn where 'they would not sink but soared aloft'. Townsend https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/29/146/Kidderminster-Witches-1660.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/29/146/Kidderminster-Witches-1660.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:40:33 +0100 A witch at Bewdley named Susan Wowen gained great notoriety for it was said, she was so wicked that she grew horns on the back of her head three inches long. These were shed every three years, and it is recorded that a Mr.Soley of Sandbourne had one tipped https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/28/146/The-Bewdley-Witch.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/28/146/The-Bewdley-Witch.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:39:18 +0100 Today, the state controls all aspects of the legal system, but in the past there were three distinct legal authorities which controlled rural life. The Judges and the local Justices of the Peace administered the laws of the land; local legal rules and customs https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/27/146/Social-power-and-authority.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/27/146/Social-power-and-authority.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:37:25 +0100 Ancient manorial customs continued in some places well into the last century. The Evesham Journal of December 1, 1928, reported on Feckenham Court Leet: 'According to the old custom, the jury assembled under the oak tree on the Village Green, where the Steward https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/26/146/Feckenham-Court-Leet.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/26/146/Feckenham-Court-Leet.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:35:39 +0100 Way back in the very distant past, long before there was centralized legal administration, justice was administered upon the hill tops, and in some places, ancient stones still stand to mark those special places, and surprisingly, legal customs continued https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/25/146/Ancient-Courts-on-the-Hill-Tops.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/25/146/Ancient-Courts-on-the-Hill-Tops.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:34:19 +0100 Glass was at one time made at Worcester in the 17th century, but the maker ended up in a debtors 'prison in London, where he died. In 1739, in the Weekly  Worcester Journal, there was a mention of a glass house (or works) at Worcester. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/24/146/Glass-works-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/24/146/Glass-works-in-Worcester.html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:32:00 +0100 BWJ of January 8, 1795 reported "The public are respectfully informed that a bank has been opened at No . 16 Mealcheapen Street, near the Corn Market, under the firm of Farley, Wakeman, Turner and F.Spilsbury, where they solicit the favours of their https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/23/146/Bank-in-Mealcheapen-St..html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/23/146/Bank-in-Mealcheapen-St..html Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:30:46 +0100 Dr.Doran in his book "Their Majestie's Servants" or "Annals of the English Stage", traced the rise of the English theatre from one Geoffrey, a monk of Durham, who rented a house and produced a play written around the life of St.Katherine. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/22/146/The-Development-of-Drama-in-England.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/22/146/The-Development-of-Drama-in-England.html Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:05:29 +0100 The first record of a theatre at Stourbridge come's from Aris's Birmingham Gazette of 1752, with the announcement that the playhouse 'would shortly be open by Mr Ward'. This was the grandfather of Sarah Siddons, of the Ward Company of Comedians that played https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/21/146/Mr-Wards-Playhouse.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/21/146/Mr-Wards-Playhouse.html Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:04:30 +0100 The railway arrived late at the County town, but this was not due to the opposition or indifference of the citizens as happened at other places. From the earliest days of railways, the manufactures and the Corporation let it be known that they wanted Worcester https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/20/146/The-Railway-in-Worcester.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/20/146/The-Railway-in-Worcester.html Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:03:04 +0100 The early 19th century was the period of beautiful coloured prints of mens and women's fashions. Before 1830, full size paper patterns could be brought at milliners and dressmakers for £1 a set. Foreign fashions were the vogue and flooded in to such an extent https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/19/146/Early-fashion-prints.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/19/146/Early-fashion-prints.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:18:15 +0100 Between the pubs, at No. 103 High Street, was R.C.Cole, an old style hairdresser. Until the acceptance of the safety razor, it was the custom of the better classes to go to the barber to be shaved, and at Cole's each customer had his own brush and mug kept https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/18/146/An-old-style-barber.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/18/146/An-old-style-barber.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:17:05 +0100 Of the four greatest roads built by the Romans in Britain, only one, the Foss Way, touched the area of modern Worcestershire, and that at the two outlying 'island' parts, which have now been lost to us by the re-drawing of the county borders. The two most https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/17/146/Roman-Roads.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/17/146/Roman-Roads.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:15:22 +0100 An ancient ridgeway track led across Kempsey Common through Kerswell Green to Severn Stoke https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/16/146/Track-across-Kempsey-Common.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/16/146/Track-across-Kempsey-Common.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:13:53 +0100 In mi- Victorian days Boughton was closely identified with the beginnings of Worcestershire county cricket. In 1865 the County Cricket Club was formed by Lord Lyttleton, supported by many local families including the Isaacs. A suitable field with a pavillion https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/15/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/15/146/Boughton-Cricket-Ground.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:09:37 +0100 The Club has never been a rich club or in the top flight, though there have been occasions when they have defeated some of the best teams in the country. The Club was formed by the amalgamation of two local teams, Berwick Rangers (Bath Road) and the Worcester https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/14/146/Early-days-of-Worcester-Football-Club.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/14/146/Early-days-of-Worcester-Football-Club.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:08:16 +0100 All newspapers were published in High Street, though it appears that the Worcester Chronicle was for a time pubished from Copenhagen Street, but in B.W.J. 13.11.1937, on the amalgamation of the B.W.J with the Worcestershire Advertiser, it was stated that https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/13/146/High-Stree-printers.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/13/146/High-Stree-printers.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:04:46 +0100 'Crowquill' of the Berrow's Worcester Journal of 5 September, 1931 gave the following details of early steamers on the Severn. 'Until 50 years ago there was only one steamer at Worcester plying up and down the river. Then a second arrived, and in the closing https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/11/146/Pleasure-Steamers-on-the-Severn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/11/146/Pleasure-Steamers-on-the-Severn.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 21:00:52 +0100 WORCESTER people generally are perhaps unaware, that the River Severn is still tidal from the Bristol Channel as far as Diglis Weir.The fact was related to Bill by waterways expert and historian Max Sinclair, of Lower Broadheath. He explains that twice daily, https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/10/146/Time-Tides-across-the-year-at-Diglis.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/10/146/Time-Tides-across-the-year-at-Diglis.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:59:09 +0100 Not much is known about this ferry, which was in use until the 1939-45 War. There was probably a ferry here when a wooden stand was built on the racecourse in the 18th century; perhaps even earlier, for racing has been enjoyed on Pitchcroft since the days https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/9/146/The-Grandstand-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/9/146/The-Grandstand-Ferry.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:57:26 +0100 This is a very pretty spot opposite Pitchcroft, and a very ancient crossing of the Severn. The ferry takes its name from the old waterman's inn of that name, which in its turn, got it from a sport practiced by watermen on Sunday mornings. It was a sport which https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/8/146/Dog-Duck-Ferry.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/8/146/Dog-Duck-Ferry.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:55:57 +0100 Most of the Lowesmoor pubs have now closed, but all remained until 1914, and many into 1930s. Before the First World War, even into the 1930s, the 'Cross to Shrub Hill Run' was regarded as a test of a young man's manhood - certainly of his drinking capacity. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/7/146/A-test-of-young-manhood.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/7/146/A-test-of-young-manhood.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:53:54 +0100 Until 1848, the Cornmarket and the streets leading to the Cornmarket, was the commercial centre of the City. The Shades in Mealcheapen Street was one of the early city banks. All around were inns with large storage capacity, for corn was sold by sample in https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/6/146/The-Cornmarket-Inns.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/6/146/The-Cornmarket-Inns.html Sun, 09 Oct 2011 20:51:57 +0100 Provincial newspapers contain a source of information on a district or a local community which cannot be found elsewhere. They contain feature articles on topics not to be found in books or official papers, with full accounts of local social and political https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/12/146/Introduction.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/12/146/Introduction.html Sat, 08 Oct 2011 21:02:49 +0100 Many have asked why Houseman, who was Worcestershire born and bred, wrote 'A Shropshire Lad'. Bishop Barnes of Birmingham once asked A.E.H why he called that famous book of poems, 'A Shropshire Lad', when he lived at Catshill, near the Lickey Hills, Shropshire. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/5/146/A-E-Housman-and-The-Shropshire-Lad.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/5/146/A-E-Housman-and-The-Shropshire-Lad.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:51:51 +0100 The Churchwardens present that; The church is in good order. John Flaye and his wife, Adam Symonds and his wife, John Wood and his wife, Richard Flayer and his wife, John Annen and his wife, Francis Smith and his wife, Mary Stram and Elizabeth Andrews. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/4/146/A-Presentment-from-St-Michaels-Church.-1674.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/4/146/A-Presentment-from-St-Michaels-Church.-1674.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:27:09 +0100 On the corner of Foregate Street and Shaw Street stood the Hop Pole Inn, the principal inn of Worcester during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first mention of it is in St. Nicholas parish records of 1742. It was obviously built when the City. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/3/146/The-Hop-Pole-Inn.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/3/146/The-Hop-Pole-Inn.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:20:41 +0100 This old house has long been used by Bakers, and is a good example of a trade once established on a site, continues through the centuries. The first baker recorded was Gabriel Walwyn, in 1656, and a long line of bakers followed through to the 20th century. https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/2/146/Walls-Bakery-Friar-St.html https://www.worcesterpeopleandplaces.org.uk/news/2/146/Walls-Bakery-Friar-St.html Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:17:25 +0100