Worcester was founded about 50AD by the Romans, it stood on the Roman road from Wroxeter to Gloucester.
Saxon’s called a Roman settlement a Ceaster, they called Worcester; Weogorna Ceaster. (Weogorna means people of the winding river)
In 680AD the minster church of St Peter was founded.
At about the same time if not earlier St Helens church was founded.
680AD Archbishop Theodore created the See of Worcester.
Bosel was the first Anglo Saxon Bishop of Worcester and established the church of St Peters.
Many charters were granted during Saxon times, however, between 884AD and 901AD a famous charter established Worcester as a burh (a fortified town).
983AD Monastry founded by St Oswald.
1041AD Worcester raided by Danes.
Around 1069AD Urse d’Abitot built a castle.
Wulfstan Bishop of Worcester 1062.
Wulfstan started to rebuild the Cathedral in 1084AD on the site of St Mary’s..
First Hospital built in 1085 called the Commandary.
Population at the time of the Domesday Book approx 2,000
There were many accidental fires in the city 1113, 1189, 1202, and 1299.
King Stephen burnt the City in 1150 but failed to capture the Castle.
1216 King John buried in Worcester Cathedral.
1221 the Castle had become the Kings prison.
1227 Worcester granted a charter which meant that the towns people could elect two officials called bailiffs to run the town.
In the mid 13th century a nunnery was founded called the Ladies Convent.
Franciscan Friars arrived during the 13th century they were called Grey Friars because of the colour of their garments.
Worcester was devastated by the Black Death 1348-1349 which may have killed half of the population.
By late 12th century the population had grown to 3,000
Trade such as bronze working, bell founding, tile making leather working ,bakers brewers and butchers were abundant.
A Grammar School was founded in the 13th century run by the church.
1538 Henry VIII closed the friaries and destroyed the shrines to St Wulfstan and St Oswald in the cathedral.
Kings School founded in 1542
Royal Grammar School given a charter in1561
Worcester was given a Major in 1621.
The wool trade was vitally important at this time eg: spinners, weavers dyers fullers and carders.
Plague outbreak in 1637.
Cathedral used as a staple for horses during the civil war.
Worcester was a Royalist stronghold during the civil war.
Battle of Worcester 1651 Oliver Cromwell defeated the soon to be next King Charles II and he escaped.
1661 Almshouses built with money from John Nash
1692 money left by Robert Berkeley for another Almshouse built in 1705.
First Worcester newspaper in 1690.
Population in 1700 9,000 approx.
Worcester race course developed on Pitchcroft first race 1718.
During the 18th Century most of the gates to the city were demolished to aid traffic.
Foregate 1702 Sidbury1768 St Martins Gate 1773.
An infirmary was built in 1746 in Silver Street.
1751 Dr wall founded Worcester Porcelain Works.
1788 Mr Chamberlain set up rival works (Chamberlain & Co)
The ‘Royal’ warrant obtained in 1789.
New bridge built in 1781 replacing old Medieval one designed by John Gwynne.
First Bank in 1765
1801(first census) population 13,000 approx
Canal opened in 1815
Worcester Sauce first made in 1837. 14 years after Lee & Perrins went into business.
Vinegar manufacture 1830 (Hill Evans vinegar works)
Cholera outbreak in 1832 killed 79
Cholera outbreak in 1849 killed 49
Railways arrived in 1850
First Electricity 1894
Population in 1901 46,000 approx.
Cripplegate Park opened 1932
Museum of Country Life opened 1971
Lychgate Centre 1968
Reindeer Centre 1990
Crowngate Shopping Centre 1992.
Population currently 96,000 approx.
With the best of intention all of the above information is true, correct and given in good faith, however, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions contained within the above.
Equally we recommend that should you want to find out more you should conduct more detailed independant research.
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