Worcester, United Kingdom

During the early medieval period, Worcester's position as the only river crossing between the bridges at Gloucester and Bridgnorth led to its growth as a market town on the main road from London to mid-Wales running through to Kidderminster, Bridgnorth, and Shrewsbury. Worcester continued to be a centre of religious life. Several monasteries were established which provided a hospital and education, including Worcester School. Parts of the city were destroyed by fire during a civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I in 1139, 1150 and 1151. A later fire in 1189 destroyed much of the city for the fourth time that century. In 1189 the city received a royal charter and in 1227 a further charter allowed the creation of a Gild Merchant.

The late 12th century saw persecution and expulsion of the small Jewish community of Worcester. The bishop of Worcester wrote an anti-Judaic treatise around 1190, and in 1219 strict rules were imposed on Jews within the diocese. In 1263 the Jews were attacked by baronial forces and most were killed. In 1275 the remaining Jews were expelled to Hereford.

By late medieval times the population had reached 1,025 families, excluding the cathedral quarter, so that it probably stood under 10,000, and the suburbs extended beyond the city walls. Manufacture of cloth and allied trades developed into an important local industry. Worcester elected its Member of Parliament and the city council was organised into two chambers whose committees agreed the city's finances, rules and ordinances.

The Dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII between 1536 and 1541, forced the city to found schools to replace monastic education. The city was designated a county corporate in 1621, giving it autonomy from local government and permitting governance by a mayor and co-opted councillors.

The English Civil Wars broke out in 1642, lasting until 1651, and were marked with several major events in and around Worcester including the Battle of Powick Bridge of September 1642. The Battle of Worcester, the final conflict of the wars, was fought from the Royalist Headquarters at the Commandery but ended with a victory for the Oliver Cromwell forces of 30,000 men.

After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, and during the 18th century Worcester experienced significant economic growth, and in 1748 Daniel Defoe could note that 'the inhabitants are generally esteemed rich, being full of business, occasioned chiefly by the clothing-trade'. The Royal Worcester Porcelain Company was established in 1751. However, significant poverty existed, and in 1794 a large workhouse was built at Tallow Hill.

Worcester's Georgian architecture, has been described as 'one of the most impressive Georgian streetscapes in the Midlands'. Many public buildings were built or rebuilt in this period, including the Grade I listed Worcester Guildhall, the city bridge, and the Royal Infirmary (since 2010 the city campus of the University of Worcester).

The annual Three Choirs Festival and horse races on Pitchcroft attracts many visitors.

By the late 18th century Worcester's cloth industry had developed into a major centre for glove-making industry, employing around 30,000 people in the area at its peak employed by over 150 firms making half the gloves in Britain and with large worldwide exports. The industry had declined by the mid 20th century due to low import duty on foreign competitors and cheaper products. Surviving manufacturers concentrated on high-end fashionable goods with one company still making gloves for the Royal Family as of 2011.

Riots took place in 1831 reflecting discontent with the city administration and the lack of democratic representation. Citizens petitioned the House of Lords for permission to build a County Hall. Local government reform took place in 1835 creating elections for councillors. The Shire Hall, which was designed by Charles Day and Henry Rowe in the Greek Revival style, was completed in 1835.

In 1815 the Worcester and Birmingham Canal opened. Railways reached Worcester in 1850 with Shrub Hill station and in 1860 when Foregate Street station was opened. The railways created many jobs building passenger coaches and signalling in the Worcester Engine Works alongside Shrub Hill Station. Their 1864 polychrome brick building was probably designed by Thomas Dickson.

The British Medical Association (BMA) was founded in 1832 in the board room of the old Worcester Royal Infirmary building in Castle Street.