Worcester is a city in the West Midlands with the River Severn running through the centre of the city.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s much of the medieval city centre was demolished to make way for new developments. Although some of the lovely old medieval centre remains it is nowhere near as big as it was.
Worcester was known for its glove manufacturing in the 19th and early 20th centuries but that has now greatly declined. The late Victorian era saw many iron founders come into the city and later came engineering. The Royal Worcester Porcelain factory still remains and is situated close to the cathedral, this has been in the city for many years. Outside of the centre is the famous Lea & Perrins factory best known for its Worcester sauce.
Kays Mail Order Company were in Worcester from 1880’s to 2007.
Some of the major employers in Worcester include Lea Perrins, npower (UK), University of Worcester, Wolseley PLC and Crown Holding (was Metalbox).
Worcester is home to an impressive cathedral; its circular chapter is the only round one in the country.
The city has a traditional High Street with stores such as Debenhams, Boots, WH Smith, Marks and Spencer and River Island. This was revamped in 2005 but caused a great deal of controversy as many old established trees were felled in the process. When it was finished it was agreed that it looked very nice and airy and much brighter than it had previously.
There are three main shopping centres Crowngate, Cathedral Plaza and Reindeer Court the latter has mostly small unique shops whereas Crowngate houses stores such as House of Fraser and Bhs. Cathedral Plaza shops include Next and H&M.
The Shambles and Broad Street include shops such as Argos, MK One and Millets.
Small shops in Worcester include Kids Closet, Smarty Pants, Republic, Mosaic, Warehouse, BB Fashions Jaeger Fashions, Mr Big, G. Shinn, Jingo and Cotton Traders.
There are also out of town retail parks which electrical and DIY stores.
The Cross is the financial centre of the city where most of the main branches of banks are situated.
Worcester was once supposed to have had more bars and pubs than any other town or city in the country. Quite a few closed in the 1960’s and 1970’s but a few remain and a couple are real ale award winners. Several chain pubs are now in the city including Pitcher and Piano, Lloyds No l Bar and Postal Order.
Worcester houses two cinemas, one at each end of the town. Also in the city are two ten-pin bowling centres and three city council run sports complexes.
The Swan Theatre stages professional and amateur productions. The city also houses a few other venues that hold performances of music and comedy.
Every three years Worcester is home to the Three Choir Festival. This dates back to the 18th century and is the oldest music festival in Europe.
The Worcester Festival only began in 2003 and is held annually in late August this also combines the well-established Beer Festival.
A Victorian Christmas Fayre is held every December and attracts a large amount of visitors and is a major source of tourism in Worcester.
There is always property available for rent in Worcester with prices in the region of £375-£525pcm for a l bed flat, £550-£750pcm for a 2 bed flat, £550-£700pcm for a 2 bed house and £625-£775pcm for a 3 bed house.
Worcester is home to cricket, football, rugby football and rugby union, cycling and basketball clubs and also has Pitchcroft, a horse racing track.
The city is lucky enough to have three large main parks and two very large woodlands.
Worcester is situated close to the M5 motorway and is served by junctions 6 and 7 and is only 120miles from London. The city has two railway stations with services to Birmingham and London to name but two destinations.
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