Worcestershire Tourist Guide - Articles
Kidderminster
Kidderminster is a town in the Wyre Forest district of Worcestershire. It is located approximately seventeen miles south-west of Birmingham city centre. The 2001 census recorded a population of 55,182 in the town. The town is twinned with the town of Husum, Germany.
The town centre area has undergone substantial redevelopment in recent years, with the commercial retail area of 'Weaver's Wharf' attracting many visitors and shoppers. 'Slingfield Mill', a Grade II listed building, has been converted into a retail outlet and incorporated into 'Weaver's Wharf'.
The modern carpet industry was founded in the area in 1785 by Brintons, and the carpet industry became extremely important to the local economy, so much so that the local newspaper is still named The Shuttle after the shuttles used on the carpet looms. Although much declined in recent years, the industry is still a significant employer in the area, with Brintons still employing several hundred people and the biggest employer of the town.
Kidderminster is also the home of Victoria Carpets plc. The "Vic" has factories in Munster, Ireland and in Dandenong, Australia and is a worldwide exporter of bespoke carpets for hotels and large commercial venues. One notable user of Victoria carpet is the Eiffel Tower.
The River Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal both flow through Kidderminster town centre.
Formed in 1886, Kidderminster Harriers F.C. is the town's professional football club. Local rivals of the Harriers were traditionally Worcester City and Bromsgrove Rovers, and in recent years also Cheltenham Town and Hereford United, although currently both Cheltenham and Hereford are in divisions above Kidderminster. In 2005 the Harriers were relegated to the Conference National after five years in the Football League Two division. The Kidderminster & District League has operated since 1984 and draws teams from Worcestershire and South Staffordshire.
HARVINGTON HALL
Harvington is a moated medieval and Elizabethan manor-house south-east of Kidderminster. Many of the rooms still have their original Elizabethan wall-paintings and the Hall contains the finest series of priest-holes anywhere in the country.
During the 19th Century it was stripped of furniture and panelling and the shell was left almost derelict. But in 1923 it was bought for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, which restored it and now opens it to the public.
The Elizabethan House was built in the 1580s by Humphrey Pakington. On his death it was inherited by his daughter Mary, Lady Yate. In 1644 it was pillaged by Roundhead troops. Family letters refer to politics, London fashions and medical treatment, as well as business matters.
In 1696 the Hall passed to the Throckmortons of Coughton Court in Warwickshire, who owned it until 1923.
Harvington Lane
Harvington
Kidderminster
Worcestershire
DY10 4LR
Tel: 01562 777 846
www.harvingtonhall.com
The town centre area has undergone substantial redevelopment in recent years, with the commercial retail area of 'Weaver's Wharf' attracting many visitors and shoppers. 'Slingfield Mill', a Grade II listed building, has been converted into a retail outlet and incorporated into 'Weaver's Wharf'.
The modern carpet industry was founded in the area in 1785 by Brintons, and the carpet industry became extremely important to the local economy, so much so that the local newspaper is still named The Shuttle after the shuttles used on the carpet looms. Although much declined in recent years, the industry is still a significant employer in the area, with Brintons still employing several hundred people and the biggest employer of the town.
Kidderminster is also the home of Victoria Carpets plc. The "Vic" has factories in Munster, Ireland and in Dandenong, Australia and is a worldwide exporter of bespoke carpets for hotels and large commercial venues. One notable user of Victoria carpet is the Eiffel Tower.
The River Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal both flow through Kidderminster town centre.
Formed in 1886, Kidderminster Harriers F.C. is the town's professional football club. Local rivals of the Harriers were traditionally Worcester City and Bromsgrove Rovers, and in recent years also Cheltenham Town and Hereford United, although currently both Cheltenham and Hereford are in divisions above Kidderminster. In 2005 the Harriers were relegated to the Conference National after five years in the Football League Two division. The Kidderminster & District League has operated since 1984 and draws teams from Worcestershire and South Staffordshire.
HARVINGTON HALL
Harvington is a moated medieval and Elizabethan manor-house south-east of Kidderminster. Many of the rooms still have their original Elizabethan wall-paintings and the Hall contains the finest series of priest-holes anywhere in the country.
During the 19th Century it was stripped of furniture and panelling and the shell was left almost derelict. But in 1923 it was bought for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham, which restored it and now opens it to the public.
The Elizabethan House was built in the 1580s by Humphrey Pakington. On his death it was inherited by his daughter Mary, Lady Yate. In 1644 it was pillaged by Roundhead troops. Family letters refer to politics, London fashions and medical treatment, as well as business matters.
In 1696 the Hall passed to the Throckmortons of Coughton Court in Warwickshire, who owned it until 1923.
Harvington Lane
Harvington
Kidderminster
Worcestershire
DY10 4LR
Tel: 01562 777 846
www.harvingtonhall.com