ENGLISH COUNTIES

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Wonderful Facts about Worcestershire

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.

However, there’s more to Worcs than nature and pop music. It’s famous for its spicy condiments, as well as for its amazing size. You’ll also find that the county area is great for riverside walks, and for its incredible array of history seeping through its ancient walls and buildings. So – enough chat – here are some fun facts about Worcestershire well worth remembering.

1. Where is Worcestershire?

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. What’s the capital of Worcs?

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. The cathedral stands proud!

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 river runs long!

The longest river in Britain flows through Worcestershire. The River Severn flows from north to south through the county.

The Severn is 354 kilometers long, with its estuary in southern Gloucestershire. Its source is located in Wales. It covers plenty of ground!

5. Spot the beacon from afar!

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.

6. Ever tried the sauce?

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.

Their names inspired the name of the sauce and the company subsequently named ‘Lea and Perrins’ is still popular today. Many people slather it on cheese on toast, for example!

7. It’s a county well known for its music.

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.

Edward Elgar’s father, William, had a music shop in Worcester and was a piano tuner. Edward was a self-taught pianist.

8. Worcs is well-known for its industry.

Fruitful industries in Worcestershire include agriculture and food production, car manufacturing, textile manufacturing, engineering, and cyber defense.

9. Want an engineering career? Come here!

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.

10. The Civil War ended here.

The last battle of the English Civil War took place on September 3rd, 1651, at Worcester. The war had begun in 1642.

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.

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking