Skyline View of Picturesque Worcester

The picturesque city of Worcester is set in the West Midlands of England on the River Severn, within close proximity of both the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds.  The history of this charming city can be explored on foot with a chance to learn more about its rich heritage including the Cathedral and the location of the final battle of the Civil War.  The city is also the home of Lea & Perrins and its’ world renowned Worcestershire Sauce.

Historic Worcester
Early settlers to Worcester date back to 400 BC with the area later extensively developed by the Romans along with Gloucester and Wroxeter, and its success saw a growing trade in areas such as iron smelting and pottery.

In later years Worcester became famous for glove making and with many factories established in the area it provided employment for over 30,000 workers in the industry.  As industry continued to grow the Royal Worcester Porcelain Company was also founded in 1751 by Dr John Wall, and is one of the oldest remaining names in English porcelain still in existence.

Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce is still made in Worcester at the Midland Road factory located in the city, with a plant in New Jersey responsible for making the American version – a recipe which uses white vinegar as opposed to the malt vinegar found in the UK version.  Established in 1837, John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins’ sauce has achieved global success with a winning recipe that features molasses, anchovies, onions and garlic, soy, peppers and pickles and its versatility means it can be added to countless dishes to enhance their flavour.

It was in the city of Worcester that King Charles II and his cavaliers were defeated by Oliver Cromwell’s army, bringing an end to the English Civil War with the Battle of Worcester having taken place on the 3 September 1651.

Popular Culture
Worcester is an historic and cultural city, and has also been a focus in popular culture.

Films & TV
Straighthead (2007) stars Gillian Anderson, Danny Dyer and Adam Raynor in this terrifying thriller, with revenge on the cards for the terrible crimes that have been committed. Filming locations for this production included Worcester and nearby Kidderminster.

The City (2012) is a film short written, directed and starring Calum Rhys with a tale of a murder and the dark underworld that surrounds it.  The City was filmed in Worcester, the home town of Rhys.

Faintheart (2008) is a romantic comedy that was filmed on location in Worcester.  Written by David Lemon, Faintheart stars Eddie Marsan, Jessica Hynes and Ewen Bremnar with characters Richard, Julian and Martin struggling to address their own issues and obsessions.

Books
The Krillitane Storm by Christopher Cooper is the 10th tale in the New Adventure Series of Doctor Who, and sees the Doctor travel to Worcester in 1139 in an attempt to uncover the cause of the strange disappearances that have occurred and the terror and fears that the locals are facing as darkness looms.

Social Media
Additional information on Worcester can be found on its official website Visit Worcestershire as well as its Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts.

Famous Faces
Hannah Snell was born in Worcester on the 23 April 1723, she is famous for becoming a soldier having disguised herself as a man, and holding several military posts in an extensive career which saw her fight in battles across the globe alongside her unsuspecting fellow officers.

Thomas Brock was a renowned sculptor who was born in the city on the 1 March 1847 and attended the Worcester School of Design studying under John Henry Foley. As well as completing the statue of Prince Albert which is located at the Albert Memorial, Brock is best known for the Victoria Memorial sculpture which is located in the Queens Gardens at the front of Buckingham Palace.

William Morris, the 1st Viscount Nuffield was the founder of Morris Motors Limited and was born in Worcester on the 10 October 1877.  Morris was also responsible for creation of the Nuffield College and Nuffield Foundation both of which are based in Oxford.

Landmarks
The Hive
The Hive is a recent landmark addition to Worcester having been opened in 2012 by HM the Queen.  The distinctive golden building is home to the Worcester Library.  Its unusual design is the work of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, with upward facing cones that feature in the build reflecting the nearby Malvern Hills.

Timber Houses, Friar Street

Timber Houses, Friar Street
Known as the Hidden Quarter with its many hidden gems, the striking landmark timber houses that are located in Friar Street enable those visiting to enjoy these historic buildings whilst also exploring the many shops, cafes and restaurants that provide a unique and memorable shopping experience.

Huntingdon Hall
Originally a Methodist church which dates back to the 18th Century, today Huntingdon Hall is one of Worcester’s most popular entertainment venues, with live music, film, comedy and dance events now held at the Hall which is located in Crowngate.

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