Worcestershire

Towns & Villages

WORCESTER

View of Worcester Cathedral, across the River Severn - Photo: Richard Dunn CCL

This ancient Roman city is divided by the River Severn and dominated by the majestic edifice of its 11th Century cathedral which contains the tombs of both King John and Henry Vlll’s elder brother, Prince Arthur. Within walking distance of each other you can find a 15th century merchant’s house called Greyfriars, a unique Civil War centre known as The Commandery (once Charles’ 1’s headquarters), a modern county cricket ground and a racecourse.
 

The city is famous for Royal Worcester porcelain - first produced here in the mid-18th century - and has one of the largest collections in the world. Sir Christopher Wren influenced local architecture by designing St Nicholas Church - now a bar - while a protégé designed the ornate Guildhall.

Edward Elgar’s father had a music shop here and a statue of the great English composer can be found near the cathedral. Performances of Elgar’s work take place at the Three Choirs Festival.
 

Greyfriars, Worcester - Photo: Philip Halling CCL

Half timbered buildings in Friars Street -
Photo: D Johnston CCL

The city was the first to declare its allegiance for King Charles during the Civil Wars which began with a skirmish just outside the city at Powick. It was also the last city to surrender to Oliver Cromwell in 1646 when he routed a royalist army, forcing King Charles 1 to flee for his life.

Visitors will find plenty to see and do in Worcester, from taking riverside walks, shopping in arcades or relaxing in the many cafés, bars and coffee shops. They might even sample the local delicacy, Worcestershire Sauce, which is still made using a top-secret recipe.