Worcestershire is one of many historic counties that England is incredibly proud of! This county area is found towards the center of the country. Famous for its various discoveries, its amazing architecture, and even for its links to music. It’s also hugely popular with nature lovers, particularly as it’s home to the Malvern Hills, a natural beauty. Take a look below for 25 interesting and amazing facts about Worcestershire.
1. Worcestershire is a county in the middle western area of England, bordered by the counties of Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and the West Midlands.
2. Worcester is the largest city in the county, famous amongst other things for its beautiful cathedral. The city, and surrounding locations, are nationally famous for their unique architecture.
3. Constructed between 1084 and 1504, the cathedral has clear examples of several types of British architecture from ‘Perpendicular Gothic’ to that from Norman times. It’s likely to fascinate historians and architects alike.
4. The longest river in Britain flows through Worcestershire. The River Severn flows from north to south through the county.
5. The Severn is 354 kilometers long, with its estuary in southern Gloucestershire. Its source is located in Wales. It covers plenty of ground!
6. The famous ‘ Worcester Sauce’ is an acquired taste! It’s a spicy condiment usually used in savory dishes. It was invented by two chemists, John Wheeler Lea and William Henry Perrins, in Worcester in the early 1800s.
7. Their names inspired the name of the sauce and company subsequently named ‘Lea and Perrins’ still popular today. Many people slather it on cheese on toast, for example!
8. The ‘Worcestershire Beacon’ is the highest point to be found on the county’s famous Malvern Hills. Formed over 12 million years ago on volcanic rock, the hills attract many tourists, climbers, and photographers every year.
9. Edward Elgar, the composer of world famous classical music, was born six miles north of Worcester on June 2nd, 1857. He gained acclaim as a master of composition during a period of ‘Romanticism’ and his music is still played today, usually annually at the London Proms.
10. Edward Elgar’s father, William, had a music shop in Worcester and was a piano tuner. Edward was a self-taught pianist.
11. Fruitful industries in Worcestershire include agriculture and food production, car manufacturing, textile manufacturing, engineering, and cyber defense.
12. In 2017, Worcestershire’s employment in engineering and particularly the manufacture of machinery was 85% higher than the national average! Seems like if you’re into your engineering, Worcs is the place to be.
13. Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (one of 47 trusts nationally) is based in Worcester itself. With so many species in the local greenery, it’s understandable this is the case!
14. The Severn is, unfortunately, prone to flooding. The worst years for flooding in this county, this century have been 2007, 2014 and in 2020, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the area to see the damage for himself.
15. The last battle of the English Civil War took place on September 3rd, 1651, at Worcester. The war had begun in 1642.
16. The first battle of the English Civil War, too, was fought in Worcestershire – at Powick Bridge. It’s safe to say there’s plenty to learn about the war from local museums and exhibitions.
17. Oliver Cromwell organized England’s army to oppose King Charles during the Civil War. Cromwell led his men into battle one mile from Worcester at Red Hill in August 1651.
18. After being married for only three weeks, a woman called Ursula Corbett of Defford was burned alive on March 14th, 1661. She was accused of being a witch after killing her husband by poisoning him.
19. The inventor of the ‘Penny Black’ (which was the first adhesive postal stamp) was Sir Rowland Hill. He was born in Kidderminster.
20. William Shakespeare, the famous playwright, was married to Ann Hathaway in Worcester in 1582. Ann was pregnant when the marriage took place and Shakespeare, as a minor, rushed through the marriage, managing to arrange the wedding away from Stratford, by setting the ceremony at the Bishops Court in Worcester. Ann was 26 and William just 18!
21. In 1862, William Ockold was hanged in Worcester for murdering his wife in a drunken frenzy. He was the last man to be hanged in Worcester.
22. Famous author C.S. Lewis was inspired to write parts of the popular story of ’Narnia’, by his experiences in Worcestershire. Who knows what adventures he came across in the local wardrobes!
23. In 1751, the Royal Worcester Pottery was founded. Today, it is still renowned for its high quality crockery and figurines.
24. The world’s oldest newspaper – which is still providing news online – is thought to be the Berrow’s Worcester Journal, first published in 1753.
25. One of the world’s oldest race competitions is held at Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire. The first hill climb race was held there in 1905. The course is rugged and reaches a height of 100 meters over 1,000 feet.
