Worcestershire

Worcestershire county is situated within the West Midlands region of England, presents a multifaceted subject for geographical and historical inquiry. Worscestorshire has six neighboring counties: Herefordshire to the west, Shropshire to the northwest, Staffordshire to the north, the West Midlands metropolitan area to the north and northeast, Warwickshire to the east, and Gloucestershire to the south. This strategic location has historically positioned Worcestershire as a nexus of regional interaction.^[1]

The population of Worcestershire is 609,216 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the ONS. Worcestershire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.7% per year. Worcestershire covers an area of 1,741 square kilometers (672 square miles) and has a population density of 350 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[2]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Worcestershire is predominantly white (94%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 6% of the population.^[2]

Research your ancestors on MyHeritage

Worcestershire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsWorcestershire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

Worcestershire exhibits a notable dichotomy in settlement and landscape morphology, delineating two distinct geographical provinces. The northern and western sectors of the county are characterized by a dispersed settlement pattern, manifest in isolated farmsteads, wayside dwellings, and diminutive hamlets. This distribution is situated within a topographically undulating landscape, featuring areas of semi-upland character, relict woodland, and vestiges of former heathland, aligning with the descriptive typology of Robert and Wrathmell's "North and Western Province." Conversely, the central, southern, and eastern regions are dominated by nucleated village settlements of varying scale. These aggregations are situated within a generally lower-lying topography, notably within the distinctive fluvial vales, corresponding to Robert and Wrathmell's "Central Province." This spatial divergence underscores the influence of both physiographic and historical factors in shaping the county's settlement geography.^[3]

Worcester City has a strong manufacturing base with particular opportunities in the health and care and business and professional services sectors. Malvern Hills is home to the Malvern Hills Science Park and a cluster of cyber and technology-led businesses. Worcestershire's diverse economy also includes advanced manufacturing, cyber security, horti/agriculrural technology, and health care.^[4]

Agriculture is a significant industry in the county. The southeast, notably the Vale of Evesham, specializes in intensive fruit and vegetable cultivation. Dairy farming is the primary agricultural activity in other rural areas. Worcestershire is also a major hop producer. In terms of industry, Worcester and Bromsgrove are centers for heavy industry. Redditch and Kidderminster (known for its carpets) have machinery and metal industries. Stoke Prior, near Droitwich, features substantial salt and chemical industries. Additionally, Worcester and various market towns support the manufacture of agricultural machinery, fruit canning and processing, cider production, and milk processing.^[1]

Worcester is a cultural city with a historic heart known for its worldwide production of Worcestershire sauce, its important part in the English civil war and the resting place of King John at Worcester Cathedral.^[5] Bewdley is an attractive Georgian town nestled on the River Severn and gateway to the Wyre Forest. Pershore is a popular market town with elegant Georgian architecture and views of the River Avon. Ludlow Castle is an impressive fortress dating to the 11th century. Greyfriars is a late 15th-century timber-framed house in the heart of Worcester,

Worcestershire historyWorcestershire history

Evidence indicates human presence in Worcestershire from the Paleolithic period, with findings suggesting occupation dating back hundreds of thousands of years.^[6] The landscape, particularly the Malvern Hills, bears witness to Iron Age settlements, with prominent hill forts marking this era. These prehistoric inhabitants left traces of their existence through tool remnants and the construction of early earthworks.^[7]

The Roman era brought significant changes, with the establishment of settlements and infrastructure. Droitwich (Salinae) gained importance due to its salt production.^[8] Roman villas and industrial activity also left their mark, demonstrating the region's integration into the Roman Empire. Roman roads crisscrossed the area, aiding in trade and military movement.^[9]

Following the Roman withdrawal, the Anglo-Saxons established the kingdom of Hwicce, which formed the core of what would become Worcestershire.^[10] This period saw the consolidation of territories and the development of early administrative structures. Worcester became an important ecclesiastical center. Later, the area became part of the kingdom of Mercia, and then part of the unified Kingdom of England.^[11]

Worcestershire was constituted as a county around 927^[12]. The medieval period witnessed the influence of monastic institutions, with abbeys and priories playing significant roles. The Battle of Evesham in 1265 was a pivotal event, marking a turning point in English history. During this medieval period, the city of Worcester, and its cathedral, grew in importance.^[13]

The Norman invasion of 1066 left an indelible impression on Herefordshire and Worcestershire. They built a string of castles in Herefordshire, to control the volatile border area with Wales. The cities of Hereford and Worcester can thank the Normans for their spectacular cathedrals.^[14]

The 16th century saw the impact of the Reformation, with the dissolution of monasteries affecting the county's religious landscape.^[15] The 17th century was dominated by the English Civil Wars, with Worcestershire playing a crucial role. The Battle of Worcester in 1651 was the final major engagement of the conflict. The gunpowder plot, also had connections to Worcestershire.

The 18th century brought advancements in infrastructure, with the construction of canals in the 18th century, the northern fringes of the historic county became part of the growing metropolis of Birmingham and the heavily industrialized Black Country, famed for its coal mining and metal production.^[1]

The 19th century witnessed the Industrial Revolution, with industrial growth in the northern parts of the county, particularly in areas like Kidderminster and Redditch. Worcestershire sauce was developed in the 19th century, becoming world famous. The railway also came to the county, allowing for increased travel, and trade.^[16]

20th Century and Present:

The 20th century brought the challenges of two World Wars, with Worcestershire contributing to the national effort. Post-war, the county experienced changes in its industrial and agricultural sectors. The century also saw the decline of traditional industries and the rise of new ones, such as automobile manufacturing. Several companies invested in the county, including the Morgan Motor Company, The Austin Motor Company, and the Enfield Cycle Company. The webpage also mentions significant employers in 20th-century Worcestershire, such as Mining Engineering Co Lt. (Meco), Kays, L. G. Harris & Co Ltd, and Halfords. The River Severn provided the county with water, energy, and transportation. The county also became a popular tourist destination, with many historical sites, and beautiful countryside.^[17]

Worcestershire parishes and unparished areasWorcestershire parishes and unparished areas

The administrative county of Worcestershire comprises six districts: Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Wychavon, Wyre Forest, the borough of Redditch, and the city of Worcester. The administrative county covers an area smaller than and different from the historic county and includes several small areas belonging to other historic ^[1]counties. There are 195 civil parishes in the ceremonial county of Worcestershire.^[18]

Worcestershire geographyWorcestershire geography

Worcestershire's geographical composition exhibits a diverse physiography. The western region is characterized by the prominent Malvern Hills, a range of ancient igneous and metamorphic rock formations that contribute to a topography of significant relief. This upland area contrasts with the central floodplain of the River Severn, a major fluvial system that bisects the county and facilitates the development of alluvial valleys. The eastern periphery transitions into the subdued, undulating terrain associated with the Cotswold escarpment, marking a gradual shift in geological substrate. Furthermore, the county's agricultural land use, evidenced by extensive orchards and hop cultivation, is directly influenced by the fertile soils and temperate climate, demonstrating a strong correlation between geomorphology and anthropogenic activity.^[19]

Researching family history in WorcestershireResearching family history in Worcestershire

The Worcestershire County Council has a web page entitled, "Researching your family history is now even easier in Worcestershire." Explore the Past is a website with records dating from the Ice Ages to the 21st century. The collections tell the story of the communities, individuals, buildings, and landscapes of historic Worcestershire. They include over 12 miles of archives, more than 60,000 records of archaeology, and at least 20,000 local studies, archives ,and archaeology reference books.^[20] The Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service preserves and makes accessible Worcestershire's documentary heritage for current and future generations. Worcestershire County Council and the University of Worcester worked together to create a new multi-million-pound city center library, history and customer centre for students and the public called the Hive.^[21] The Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry (BMSGH) also known as Midland Ancestors is the principal family history society for the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

Ethnicities in WorcestershireEthnicities in Worcestershire

The demographic distribution of the Worcestershire population is as follows:^[2]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Worcestershire is predominantly white (93.8%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 6.2% of the population. Asian people were the largest minority group in Worcestershire accounting for 3.1% of the population. 4,151 or 1% of the Worcestershire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Worcestershire, 2021 census

White - 566,484 people or 93.8%
Asian - 18,511 people or 3.1%
Mixed - 11,173 people or 1.9%
Black - 4,151 people or 0.7%
Other - 3,357 people or 0.6%

Surnames in WorcestershireSurnames in Worcestershire

The demographic distribution of Worcestershire surnames is as follows:^[22]

Surname	Incidence	Frequency
Smith	9,065	1:64
Jones	7,277	1:79
Taylor	4,409	1:131
Williams	4,403	1:131
Davies	3,370	1:172
Evans	3,097	1:187
Harris	2,881	1:201
Hill	2,523	1:229
Roberts	2,464	1:235
Brown	2,413	1:240

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 425 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[:1-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 Worcestershire | England, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Worcestershire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[3] Settlement and Landscape

[4] Growth Sectors

[5] Visit Worcester - Visit Worcestershire: Official Tourism Website

[6] Discovering Ice Age Worcestershire - Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service

[7] Palaeolithic

[8] Droitwich salt - a natural wonder

[9] Romans in Britain - The main Roman roads of Worcestershire

[10] Kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxons - Hwicce

[11] United Kingdom - Anglo-Saxon, England, History | Britannica

[12] Place in Focus - Worcestershire - Discover Your Ancestors

[13] Medieval and Middle Ages History Timelines - Worcester

[14] The Normans: castles & cathedrals

[15] English Reformation - World History Encyclopedia

[16] Worcestershire in the Nineteenth Century, by T. C. Turberville

[17] Adding a New Layer: 20th Century Heritage in Worcestershire – Industrial and Maritime - Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service

[18] Genuki: Worcestershire Towns and Parishes, Worcestershire

[19] Agricultural facts: West Midlands region

[20] Home - Worcestershire Archive & Archaeology Service

[21] Creating the Hive - The Hive

[22] Most Common Surnames in Worcestershire, With Meanings

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]