Worcestershire Tourist Guide - Articles
Stourport on Severn
Stourport-on -Severn is the only town in Britain built solely as a consequence of the canals. It was here that James Brindley built the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal to link the River Severn with the Trent and Mersey, following the Parliamentary Act of 1766. After Birmingham, Stourport was then the busiest inland port in the Midlands.
The town grew rapidly and by 1783 brass and iron foundries, vinegar works, tan yards, worsted spinning mills, carpet manufacturers, barge and boat building yards, wharves, warehouses, shops, houses and inns had sprung up.
By 1795 Stourport had two hundred houses and about 1,300 inhabitants. Piped water supplies were introduced in 1851; and the Stourport Gas Company was formed in 1865.
Today it is an attractive inland resort full of historical interest.
TheCanal Basins provide a great place to wander around at leisure and explore, a fascinating insight into the workings of the canal port, remaining largely intact from the golden age of the canals. Recently restored, regenerated and returned to their original Georgian splendour, creating an exciting and informative heritage attraction. The tranquility of this area feeds the imagination of explorers.
Relax and unwind in one of the local pubs, cafes and restaurants in and around the Canal Basins. Watch boats travelling through the locks and five historic basins which house nearly 100 narrow boats and yachts and many listed Georgian houses and warehouses.
The Clock Warehouse currently the home of Stourport-on-Severn Yacht Club, is a focal point of the basins. The building is graced by a magnificent clock provided by public subscription and made by Samuel Thorp of Abberley.
The Tontine Hotel was constructed as the Areley Inn in 1772 and gave accommodation to merchants and travellers. It was a grand place with a ballroom and several reception rooms.
The Grade II Listed Tontine Hotel has now been sympathetically converted to incorporate four storey family houses and apartments. Set in the heart of Stourport's lock and canal basin, this former Geogrian hotel has stunning views to either River Severn or Canal Basin and Locks
The Methodist Church. John Wesley preached in Stourport-on-Severn in 1787, 1788 an 1790. The church was extended twice in the nineteenth century and the present interior is dominated by a marble and alabaster pulpit.
St. Bartholomew’s Parish Church, quarter of a mile over the bridge at Areley Kings was founded as a Norman Church. The first known priest was Layamon, author of the first historical survey of Britain. With a continuous history and a partial re-building by the Victorians, the church complex includes a Queen Anne Rectory and mediaeval timber-framed church house.
St. Michael’s Church, replaced by the present building in 1980 after storm damage, has the largest parish churchyard in Worcestershire with many interesting memoria
Riverside Meadows provide many attractions along a good length of riverbank. Parking is available to those who wish merely to enjoy the quiet of the river or to make use of the pitch and putt, self-drive motor boats, go-karts and children’s rides.
Shipley’s Amusement Centre has indoor amusements and fairground rides.
The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal with a good walking tow path gives visitors a fresh perspective of the buildings and architecture of the town. Three notable canalside inns provide sustenance for the dedicated explorer. Boats are available for hire.
The Civic Centre where shows, plays and musical performances are held throughout the year. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Town and District councils.
Stourport-on-Severn Leisure Centre, has a modern indoor swimming pool and gymnasium with up to date facilities.
Stourport-on-Severn Library has extensive information about the town and surrounding area. The Library houses numerous exhibitions and displays for public information.
The High Street was completely refurbished in 1998 with many original materials used in the construction. The pavements were re-laid in traditional clay pavers.
Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens celebrate Stourport-on-Severn’s twin town in France. The gardens are an attractive welcome to visitors and have been re-designed to provide a different perspective of the town and canal.
The town grew rapidly and by 1783 brass and iron foundries, vinegar works, tan yards, worsted spinning mills, carpet manufacturers, barge and boat building yards, wharves, warehouses, shops, houses and inns had sprung up.
By 1795 Stourport had two hundred houses and about 1,300 inhabitants. Piped water supplies were introduced in 1851; and the Stourport Gas Company was formed in 1865.
Today it is an attractive inland resort full of historical interest.
TheCanal Basins provide a great place to wander around at leisure and explore, a fascinating insight into the workings of the canal port, remaining largely intact from the golden age of the canals. Recently restored, regenerated and returned to their original Georgian splendour, creating an exciting and informative heritage attraction. The tranquility of this area feeds the imagination of explorers.
Relax and unwind in one of the local pubs, cafes and restaurants in and around the Canal Basins. Watch boats travelling through the locks and five historic basins which house nearly 100 narrow boats and yachts and many listed Georgian houses and warehouses.
The Clock Warehouse currently the home of Stourport-on-Severn Yacht Club, is a focal point of the basins. The building is graced by a magnificent clock provided by public subscription and made by Samuel Thorp of Abberley.
The Tontine Hotel was constructed as the Areley Inn in 1772 and gave accommodation to merchants and travellers. It was a grand place with a ballroom and several reception rooms.
The Grade II Listed Tontine Hotel has now been sympathetically converted to incorporate four storey family houses and apartments. Set in the heart of Stourport's lock and canal basin, this former Geogrian hotel has stunning views to either River Severn or Canal Basin and Locks
The Methodist Church. John Wesley preached in Stourport-on-Severn in 1787, 1788 an 1790. The church was extended twice in the nineteenth century and the present interior is dominated by a marble and alabaster pulpit.
St. Bartholomew’s Parish Church, quarter of a mile over the bridge at Areley Kings was founded as a Norman Church. The first known priest was Layamon, author of the first historical survey of Britain. With a continuous history and a partial re-building by the Victorians, the church complex includes a Queen Anne Rectory and mediaeval timber-framed church house.
St. Michael’s Church, replaced by the present building in 1980 after storm damage, has the largest parish churchyard in Worcestershire with many interesting memoria
Riverside Meadows provide many attractions along a good length of riverbank. Parking is available to those who wish merely to enjoy the quiet of the river or to make use of the pitch and putt, self-drive motor boats, go-karts and children’s rides.
Shipley’s Amusement Centre has indoor amusements and fairground rides.
The Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal with a good walking tow path gives visitors a fresh perspective of the buildings and architecture of the town. Three notable canalside inns provide sustenance for the dedicated explorer. Boats are available for hire.
The Civic Centre where shows, plays and musical performances are held throughout the year. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Town and District councils.
Stourport-on-Severn Leisure Centre, has a modern indoor swimming pool and gymnasium with up to date facilities.
Stourport-on-Severn Library has extensive information about the town and surrounding area. The Library houses numerous exhibitions and displays for public information.
The High Street was completely refurbished in 1998 with many original materials used in the construction. The pavements were re-laid in traditional clay pavers.
Villeneuve-le-Roi Gardens celebrate Stourport-on-Severn’s twin town in France. The gardens are an attractive welcome to visitors and have been re-designed to provide a different perspective of the town and canal.
