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Worcester Schools

List of Worcester schools with names, addresses and website links (if available).

School Name Road Area   City Post Code Website Link
Ashton-under-Hill First School Elmley Road Ashton-under-Hill   Evesham WR11 7SW www.ashton.worcs.sch.uk
Beoley First School Beoley Lane Beoley   Redditch B98 9AN http://www.beoleyfirst.com/
Bredenbury Primary School Bredenbury     Bromyard HR7 4TF www.bredenburyprimary.org.uk/
Broadway First School Lime Tree Avenue     Broadway WR12 7BD www.broadway.worcs.sch.uk/
Catshill First School Gibb Lane Catshill   Bromsgrove B61 0JP www.catshillfirst.co.uk
Charford First School Charford Road Charford   Bromsgrove B60 3NH www.charford.worcs.sch.uk/
Finstall First School Carnforth Road     Bromsgrove B60 2HS www.finstallfirst.co.uk/
Lickey End First School School Lane Lickey End   Bromsgrove B60 1JG www.lickeyendfirstschool.co.uk/
Meadows First School Stourbridge Road     Bromsgrove B61 0AH http://www.meadows.worcs.sch.uk
Millfields First School Swift Close     Bromsgrove B61 7BS  
Sidemoor First School and Nursery Perryfields Road     Bromsgrove B61 8QN www.sidemoorfirst.co.uk/
Blackwell First School St Catherine’s Road Blackwell   Bromsgrove B60 1BN www.blackwellfirstschool.com/
St Peter’s Primary School Cherry Tree Close Winslow Road   Bromyard HR7 4UY http://www.st-peters.hereford.sch.uk
Clifford Primary School Clifford     Hereford HR3 5HA http://www.clifford.hereford.sch.uk
Clifton upon Teme Primary School Pound Lane Clifton-upon-Teme   Worcester WR6 6DE www.cliftonupontemeprimary.org.uk
Dodford First School Fockbury Road Dodford   Bromsgrove B61 9AW www.dodford.worcs.sch.uk/
Westlands First School Farmers Way Westlands   Droitwich WR9 9EQ  
Chawson First School Wych Road     Droitwich WR9 8BW www.j2e.com/
Ewyas Harold Primary School Ewyas Harold     Hereford HR2 0EY http://www.ewyasharoldprimaryschool.co.uk
Fairfield First School Stourbridge Road Fairfield   Bromsgrove B61 9LZ www.fairfield.worcs.sch.uk
Flyford Flavell First School Radford Road Flyford Flavell   Worcester WR7 4BS www.flyfordflavellfirstschool.com
Garway Primary School Garway     Hereford HR2 8RQ http://www.garwayprimaryschool.co.uk
Hagley Primary School Park Road Hagley   Stourbridge DY9 0NS www.hagleyprimary.org.uk/
Broadlands Primary School Broadlands Lane     Hereford HR1 1HY http://www.broadlands.hereford.sch.uk
Hampton Dene Primary School Church Road Tupsley   Hereford HR1 1RT www.hamptondeneschool.com
Marlbrook Primary School Green Croft Redhill   Hereford HR2 7NT http://www.marlbrookschool.com
St Martin’s Primary School Holly Bush Walk     Hereford HR2 6AF  
Trinity Primary School Barricombe Drive Moor Farm   Hereford HR4 0NU www.trinity.hereford.sch.uk/
Kington Primary School Mill Street     Kington HR5 3AL http://www.kingtonprimary.co.uk
Ledbury Primary School Longacres     Ledbury HR8 2BE http://www.ledbury.hereford.sch.uk
Longtown Community Primary School Longtown     Hereford HR2 0LE  
Luston Primary School Westland View Luston   Leominster HR6 0EA http://www.luston.hereford.sch.uk
Madley Primary School Madley     Hereford HR2 9PH www.madleyprimaryschool.co.uk
Michaelchurch Escley Primary School Michaelchurch Escley     Hereford HR2 0PT http://michaelchurchprimary.co.uk
Pebworth First School Back Lane Pebworth   Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 8XA www.pebworthfirst.org.uk/
Abbey Park First and Nursery School Abbey Road     Pershore WR10 1DF www.abbeyparkfirstandnurseryschool.co.uk/
Peterchurch Primary School Peterchurch     Hereford HR2 0RP www.peterchurch.hereford.sch.uk
Batchley First and Nursery School Cherry Tree Walk Batchley   Redditch B97 6PD www.batchleyfirstschool.com/
Holyoakes Field First School Bridge Street     Redditch B97 6HH www.holyoakes.worcs.sch.uk/
Tenacres First School Quibury Close Winyates East   Redditch B98 0PB www.tenacres.worcs.sch.uk
Ashfield Park Primary School Redhill Road     Ross-on-Wye HR9 5AU www.ashfieldpark.org/
Roman Way First School Colts Lane Winyates West   Redditch B98 0LH  
Shobdon Primary School Shobdon     Leominster HR6 9LX www.shobdon.hereford.sch.uk/
Stoke Prior First School Ryefields Road Stoke Prior   Bromsgrove B60 4ND www.stokeprior.worcs.sch.uk/
Stoke Prior Primary School Stoke Prior     Leominster HR6 0ND http://www.stokeprior.hereford.sch.uk
St Weonard’s Primary School Mount Way St Weonard’s   Hereford HR2 8NU www.stweonards.hmfa.org.uk/
Walford Primary School Walford     Ross-on-Wye HR9 5SA http://www.walfordprimaryschool.co.uk
Welland Primary School Marlbank Road Welland   Malvern WR13 6NE http://www.wellandprimaryschool.ik.org
Wellington Primary School Wellington     Hereford HR4 8AZ http://www.wellingtonprimaryherefordshire.co.uk
Weobley Primary School Burton Wood Weobley   Hereford HR4 8ST www.weobleyprimary.co.uk
Withington Primary School Lock Road Withington   Hereford HR1 3QE www.withington.hereford.sch.uk/
Cherry Orchard Primary School Timberdine Close     Worcester WR5 2DD www.cherryorchard-pri.worcs.sch.uk
Dines Green Primary School Tudor Way     Worcester WR2 5QH www.dinesgreenschool.co.uk/
Nunnery Wood Primary School Prestwich Avenue     Worcester WR5 1QE www.nunnerywoodprimary.co.uk/
Perdiswell Primary School Bilford Road     Worcester WR3 8QA  
Stanley Road Primary School Stanley Road     Worcester WR5 1BD www.stanleyroad.worcs.sch.uk/
Wychbold First and Nursery School School Road Wychbold   Droitwich WR9 7PU www.wychboldschool.co.uk
Wythall, Meadow Green Primary Meadow Road Wythall   Birmingham B47 6EQ www.meadowgreen.worcs.sch.uk/
Moons Moat First School Cleeve Close Church Hill   Redditch B98 9HR www.moonsmoat.worcs.sch.uk/
Beaconside Primary and Nursery School Hazel Road Rubery Rednal Birmingham B45 9DX www.beaconside.co.uk/
Pitmaston Primary School Malvern Road     Worcester WR2 4ZF http://www.pitmaston.co.uk
Oldbury Park Primary School Oldbury Road     Worcester WR2 6AA  
Lickey Hills Primary School and Nursery Old Birmingham Road Lickey   Birmingham B45 8EU  
Abbey Park Middle School Abbey Road     Pershore WR10 1DF www.abbeyparkmiddle.worcs.sch.uk/
Leigh and Bransford Primary School Hoopers Close Leigh Sinton   Malvern WR13 5DX http://www.leighbransford.ik.org
Westacre Middle School Ombersley Way     Droitwich WR9 0AA www.westacre-middle-school.co.uk/
Witton Middle School Old Coach Road     Droitwich Spa WR9 8BD http://www.witton.worcs.sch.uk/
Abberley Parochial VC Primary School Abberley     Worcester WR6 6AA www.abberley.worcs.sch.uk/
Bayton CofE Primary School Bayton     Near Kidderminster DY14 9LG www.baytonprimaryschool.co.uk
Belbroughton CofE Primary School Bradford Lane Belbroughton   Stourbridge DY9 9TF www.belbroughtonprimary.co.uk/
Blakedown CofE Primary School Birmingham Road Blakedown   Kidderminster DY10 3JN http://www.blakedowncofeprimary.co.uk
Bosbury CofE Primary School Bosbury     Ledbury HR8 1PX www.bosburyprimaryschool.co.uk/
Broadheath CofE Primary School Sailor’s Bank Lower Broadheath   Worcester WR2 6QT  
Callow End CofE Primary School Upton Road   Callow End Worcester WR2 4TE www.callowend.worcs.sch.uk
Castlemorton CofE Primary School Church Road Castlemorton   Malvern WR13 6BG www.castlemortonprimaryschool.co.uk/
Church Lench CofE First School Main Street Church Lench   Evesham WR11 4UE http://www.churchlench.worcs.sch.uk
Claines CofE Primary School School Bank Claines   Worcester WR3 7RW www.clainesceprimary.co.uk
Clehonger CofE Primary School Gosmore Road Clehonger   Hereford HR2 9SN www.clehongerschool.co.uk
Clent Parochial Primary School Bromsgrove Road Holy Cross Clent Clent Stourbridge DY9 9QP www.clentprimaryschool.co.uk/
Colwall CofE Primary School Colwall Green     Malvern WR13 6DU http://www.colwallceprimary.co.uk/
St Mary’s CofE Primary School Credenhill     Hereford HR4 7DW http://www.credenhill.hereford.sch.uk
Cropthorne-with-Charlton CofE First   School Main Street Cropthorne   Pershore WR10 3NB www.cropthorneschool.org/
Defford-Cum-Besford CofE School Hill View Defford   Worcester WR8 9BH www.deffordschool.co.uk
Eardisley CofE Primary School Eardisley     Hereford HR3 6NS www.eardisleyschool.co.uk
Eckington CofE First School School Lane Eckington   Pershore WR10 3AU www.eckingtonfirstschool.co.uk
Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School Corse Lawn     Gloucester GL19 4LZ http://www.eldersfieldlawn.worcs.sch.uk
Elmley Castle CofE First School Main Street Elmley Castle   Pershore WR10 3HS www.elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk/
St Richard’s CofE First School Four Pools Lane     Evesham WR11 1DU www.st-richards.worcs.sch.uk/
St Andrew’s CE School Marymans Road Hampton   Evesham WR11 2QN www.st-andrews.worcs.sch.uk/
Goodrich CofE Primary School Goodrich     Ross-on-Wye HR9 6HY www.goodrichprimarysch.co.uk/
Gorsley Goffs Primary School Gorsley     Ross-on-Wye HR9 7SE http://www.gorsleygoffsprimary.co.uk
Grimley and Holt CofE Primary School Grimley     Worcester WR2 6LU www.grimleyholt.worcs.sch.uk
Hanbury CofE First School School Road Hanbury   Bromsgrove B60 4BS http://www.hanbury.worcs.sch.uk
Himbleton CofE First School Nieght Hill Himbleton   Droitwich WR9 7LE www.himbleton.worcs.sch.uk
Hindlip CofE First School Droitwich Road Hindlip   Worcester WR3 8RJ www.hindlipfirstschool.info/
Little Dewchurch CofE Primary School Little Dewchurch     Hereford HR2 6PN http://www.little-dewchurch.hereford.sch.uk
Malvern Wyche CofE Primary School Lower Wyche Road     Malvern WR14 4ET http://www.wyche.worcs.sch.uk
Martley CofE Primary School Martley     Worcester WR6 6QA www.martleyceprimaryschool.co.uk
Much Birch CofE Primary School Much Birch     Hereford HR2 8HL www.much-birch.hereford.sch.uk/
Orleton CofE Primary School Orleton     Ludlow SY8 4HQ http://www.orleton.hereford.sch.uk
Overbury CofE First School Overbury     Tewkesbury GL20 7NT www.overbury.worcs.sch.uk/
Pendock CofE Primary School School Lane Pendock   Gloucester GL19 3PW www.pendockprimary.co.uk
Powick CofE Primary School 42 Malvern Road Powick   Worcester WR2 4RT http://www.powick.worcs.sch.uk/
Feckenham CofE First School School Lane Feckenham   Redditch B96 6QD www.feckenhamfirst.com/
St George’s CofE First School Stevenson Avenue     Redditch B98 8LU www.stgeorges.worcs.sch.uk/
St Luke’s CofE First School Plymouth Road North Southcrest   Redditch B97 4NU www.stlukesfirst.worcs.sch.uk/
St Stephen’s CofE First School Mabey Avenue     Redditch B98 8HW www.ststephensfirst.worcs.uk
Romsley St Kenelm’s CofE Primary School Bromsgrove Road Romsley   Halesowen B62 0LF www.stkenelms.co.uk/
Rushwick CofE Primary School Upper Wick Lane Rushwick   Worcester WR2 5SU www.rushwick.worcs.sch.uk/
Sedgeberrow CofE First School Main Street Sedgeberrow   Evesham WR11 7UF  
Tibberton CofE First School Plough Road     Droitwich WR9 7NL  
Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School School Lane Upton-upon-Severn   Worcester WR8 0LD uptonprimaryschool.education
Upton Snodsbury CofE First School School Lane Upton Snodsbury   Worcester WR7 4NH www.uptonsnodsburyfirstschool.org.uk/
Whittington CofE Primary School Whittington     Worcester WR5 2QZ http://www.whittington.worcs.sch.uk
St Barnabas CofE Primary School Green Lane     Worcester WR3 8NZ http://www.st-barnabas-primary.worcs.sch.uk
Red Hill CofE Primary School Midhurst Close     Worcester WR5 2HX www.redhillprimary.org
Astley CofE Primary School Astley     Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0RH www.astley.worcs.sch.uk/
St Andrew’s CofE First School Hewell Road Barnt Green   Birmingham B45 8NG www.st-andrewscofe.worcs.sch.uk/
Brampton Abbotts CofE Primary School Brampton Road     Ross-on-Wye HR9 7FX www.bramptonabbotts.org/
The Bredon Hancock’s Endowed First School Church Street Bredon   Tewkesbury GL20 7LA http://www.bredonhancocks-worcs.co.uk/
Bridstow CofE Primary School Bridstow     Ross-on-Wye HR9 6PZ www.bridstow-school.co.uk/
Broadwas CofE Aided Primary School Broadwas-on-Teme     Worcester WR6 5NE www.broadwasschool.co.uk
Cradley CofE Primary School Cradley     Malvern WR13 5NG www.cradleyschool.org.uk/
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School St Joseph’s Close Ombersley Way   Droitwich WR9 0RY http://www.st-josephs-droitwich.worcs.sch.uk/
St Mary’s CofE Primary School Fownhope     Hereford HR1 4PG  
Hallow CofE Primary School Main Road Hallow   Worcester WR2 6LD http://www.hallow.worcs.sch.uk
Our Lady’s RC Primary School Boycott Road     Hereford HR2 7RN http://www.our-ladys.hereford.sch.uk
St Francis Xavier’s Primary School Venn’s Lane     Hereford HR1 1DT http://www.st-francisxaviers.hereford.sch.uk
St James’ CofE Primary School Vicarage Road     Hereford HR1 2QN www.stjamesceprimary.org/
Kimbolton St James CofE Primary School Kimbolton     Leominster HR6 0HQ www.kimbolton-st-james.hereford.sch.uk/
Kingsland CofE School Kingsland     Leominster HR6 9QN http://www.kingslandceprimary.com/
Lea CofE Primary School Lea     Ross-on-Wye HR9 7JY http://www.lea-primary.hereford.sch.uk
Leintwardine Endowed CE Primary School Watling Street Leintwardine   Craven Arms SY7 0LL www.leintwardineprimary.org
Ivington CofE Primary School Ivington     Leominster HR6 0JH http://www.ivington.hereford.sch.uk
Lindridge St Lawrence CE Primary School Lindridge     Tenbury Wells WR15 8JQ www.lindridgeschool.com
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Newtown Road     Malvern WR14 1PF  
Malvern Wells CofE Primary School 263 Wells Road     Malvern Wells WR14 4HF http://www.malvern-wells.worcs.sch.uk
St James’ CofE Primary School West Malvern Road     Malvern WR14 4BB  
Much Marcle CofE Primary School Much Marcle     Ledbury HR8 2LY www.muchmarcle.hereford.sch.uk/
Ombersley Endowed First School School Bank     Ombersley WR9 0DR http://www.ombersley.worcs.sch.uk
Pembridge CofE Primary School Bearwood Lane Pembridge   Leominster HR6 9EA www.pembridgeprimary.org.uk
Pencombe CofE Primary School Pencombe     Bromyard HR7 4SH www.pencombeprimary.org.uk/
Holy Redeemer Catholic Primary School Priest Lane     Pershore WR10 1EB http://holyredeemerschoolpershore.org/
St Thomas More Catholic First School Woodrow Centre Studley Road   Redditch B98 7RY www.stthomasmorefirst.com
St Joseph’s RC Primary School The Avenue Walford Road   Ross-on-Wye HR9 5AW www.st-josephs.hereford.sch.uk/
Staunton-on-Wye Endowed Primary School Staunton-on-Wye     Hereford HR4 7LT www.stauntonprimary.uk
Sytchampton Endowed Primary School Sytchampton     Stourport-on-Severn DY13 9SX http://www.sytchampton.worcs.sch.uk
Tardebigge CofE First School Church Lane Tardebigge   Bromsgrove B60 3AH www.tardebigge.worcs.sch.uk
Weston-under-Penyard CofE Primary School School Lane Weston-under-Penyard   Ross-on-Wye HR9 7PA www.weston-under-penyard.hereford.sch.uk/
Whitchurch CofE Primary School Whitchurch     Ross-on-Wye HR9 6DA www.whitchurchschool.org.uk/
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary Bransford Road St John’s   Worcester WR2 4EN www.ourlady.worcs.sch.uk
St George’s CofE Primary School St George’s Lane North     Worcester WR1 1RD  
St George’s Catholic Primary School Thorneloe Walk Barbourne   Worcester WR1 3JY http://www.st-georgescatholic.co.uk/
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Chedworth Drive Warndon   Worcester WR4 9PG www.stjosephsworcester.co.uk
North Bromsgrove High School School Drive Stratford Road   Bromsgrove B60 1BA http://www.northbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk
The De Montfort School Four Pools Road     Evesham WR11 1DQ http://www.tdms.worcs.sch.uk
Aylestone Business and Enterprise College Broadlands House Broadlands Lane   Hereford HR1 1HY http://aylestone.org.uk/
Earl Mortimer College and Sixth Form   Centre South Street     Leominster HR6 8JJ http://earlmortimer.org.uk/
Weobley High School Burton Wood Weobley   Hereford HR4 8ST http://www.weobleyhigh.co.uk
Aston Fields Middle School Drummond Road     Bromsgrove B60 2ET http://www.astonfields.worcs.sch.uk
Catshill Middle School Meadow Road Catshill   Bromsgrove B61 0JW www.catshill-middle.worcs.sch.uk
Parkside Middle School Stourbridge Road     Bromsgrove B61 0AH http://www.edulink.networcs.net/
Blackminster Middle School Station Road South Littleton   Evesham WR11 8TG http://www.blackminster.worcs.sch.uk
Birchensale Middle School Bridley Moor Road     Redditch B97 6HT http://www.birchensale.worcs.sch.uk
St Egwin’s CofE Middle School Worcester Road     Evesham WR11 4JU http://www.st-egwins.worcs.sch.uk/
The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School Hampton Dene Road Tupsley   Hereford HR1 1UU http://www.bhbs.hereford.sch.uk
St Mary’s RC High School Lugwardine     Hereford HR1 4DR http://www.st-maryshigh.hereford.sch.uk
Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College Timberdine Avenue     Worcester WR5 2XD http://www.blessededward.co.uk
The Downs, Malvern College Prep School Brockhill Road Colwall   Malvern WR13 6EY  
The Elms School Colwall     Malvern WR13 6EF  
Abberley Hall School Abberley     Worcester WR6 6DD http://www.abberleyhall.co.uk/
Bromsgrove School Worcester Road     Bromsgrove B61 7DU http://www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/
Malvern College College Road     Malvern WR14 3DF www.malvern-college.co.uk/visiting.shtml
Malvern St James 15 Avenue Road     Malvern WR14 3BA http://www.malvernstjames.co.uk
Heathfield Knoll Wolverley     Kidderminster DY10 3QE  
Dodderhill School Crutch Lane     Droitwich WR9 0BE  
Cambian New Elizabethan School Quarry Bank The Village Hartlebury Kidderminster DY11 7TE http://www.cambiangroup.com/ourservices/service/home/tabid/106/id/147/s/28/xmps/1816/default.aspx
Bredon School Pull Court Bushley   Tewkesbury GL20 6AH www.bredonschool.org
Sunfield Children’s Home Limited Clent Grove Clent   Stourbridge DY9 9PB  
Bowbrook House School Peopleton     Pershore WR10 2EE  
Abbey College in Malvern 253 Wells Road     Malvern WR14 4JF  
Hereford Cathedral School Old Deanery The Cathedral Close   Hereford HR1 2NG http://www.herefordcs.com
The King’s School 5 College Green     Worcester WR1 2LL www.ksw.org.uk
Royal Grammar School Worcester Upper Tything     Worcester WR1 1HP http://www.rgsw.org.uk/
The River School Oakfield House Droitwich Road   Worcester WR3 7ST  
Rowden House School Rowden House Winslow   Bromyard HR7 4LS  
Madinatul Uloom Al Islamiya School Summerfield     Kidderminster DY10 4BH  
Lucton School Lucton     Leominster HR6 9PN  
Saint Michael’s College Oldwood Road     Tenbury Wells WR15 8PH  
Hereford Cathedral Junior School 28 Castle Street     Hereford HR1 2NW  
Cambian Hereford School Coningsby Road     Leominster HR6 8LL  
Rigby Hall Day Special School Rigby Lane Astonfields   Bromsgrove B60 2EP  
Blackmarston School Honddu Close     Hereford HR2 7NX www.schoolswire.org
Westfield School Ryeland’s Road     Leominster HR6 8NZ http://www.westfield.hereford.sch.uk
Pitcheroak School Willow Way Batchley   Redditch B97 6PQ pitcheroak.worcs.sch.uk
Chadsgrove School Meadow Road Catshill   Bromsgrove B61 0JL  
New College Worcester (NMSS) Whittington Road     Worcester WR5 2JX www.ncw.co.uk

Early history
The trade route past Worcester, later part of the Roman Ryknild Street, dates from Neolithic times. It commanded a ford crossing over the River Severn, which was tidal below Worcester, and fortified by the Britons about 400 BC.[4]

Charcoal from the Forest of Dean enabled Romans to operate pottery kilns and ironworks. They may also have built a small fort. While there is some evidence that the late Iron Age defensive ditches on the east bank may have been dug out during the first century AD, there is no other evidence to suggest that this was used as a fort by the Romans. Scatters of military equipment and coins found in the city centre from this early period may instead have been lost during the course of road building, or won by the local inhabitants in battle, rather than being left by a Roman military garrison. [5] There is no sign of municipal buildings to indicate an administrative role.[6]

In the 3rd century AD, Roman Worcester occupied a larger area than the subsequent medieval city, but silting caused the abandonment of Sidbury. Industrial production ceased and the settlement contracted to a defended position along the lines of the old British fort at the river terrace’s southern end.[7]

Anglo-Saxon town
See also: History of Worcester § Anglo-Saxon, and History of Worcestershire § Anglo-Saxon
The form of the place name varied over time. At its settlement in the 7th century, by the Angles of Mercia, it was Weogorna. After centuries of warfare against the Vikings and Danelaw it had become a centre for the Anglo-Saxon army or here known as Weogorna ceastre (Worcester Camp). The Weorgoran were probably a sub-tribe of the larger kingdom of the Hwicce, which occupied present-day Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and western Wiltshire. In 680, Worcester was chosen as their fort over the larger Gloucester, and the royal court at Winchcombe as the episcopal see of a new bishopric, suggesting there was already an established and powerful Christian community.

Oswald and Eadnoth
Worcester became a centre of monastic learning and church power. Oswald of Worcester, appointed Bishop in 961, was an important reformer alongside the Archbishop of York. The last Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Worcester, St Wulfstan or Wulstan, was a reformer, who remained in office until he died in 1095.

The city also became a focus of violent tax resistance against the monarch Harthacnut (also King of Denmark) in 1041. The townspeople tried to defend themselves by occupying the Severn island of Bevere, two miles up river. After Harthacnut’s men had sacked the city and set it alight, agreement was reached and the populace returned to rebuild.[8]

Medieval
See also: History of Worcester § Medieval
Norman Conquest
The first Norman Sheriff of Worcestershire, Urse d’Abetot oversaw the construction of a new castle at Worcester,[9] although nothing now remains of the castle.[10] Worcester Castle was in place by 1069. Its outer bailey was built on land that had previously been the cemetery for the monks of the Worcester cathedral chapter.[11] The motte of the castle overlooked the river, just south of the cathedral.[12]

Early medieval
Worcester’s growth and position as a market town for goods and produce rested on its river crossing and bridge and its position on the road network. The nearest Severn bridges in the 14th century were at Gloucester and Bridgnorth. The main road from London to mid-Wales ran through Worcester, then north-west to Kidderminster, Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury, and via Bromsgrove to Coventry and on to Derby. Southward it connected with Tewkesbury and Gloucester.[8]

The medieval cloisters
Worcester was a centre of religious life. The several monasteries up to the dissolution included Greyfriars, Blackfriars, the Penitent Sisters, and the Benedictine Priory, now Worcester Cathedral.[13] Monastic houses provided hospital and educational services, including Worcester School.

The 12th-century town (then better defended) was attacked in 1139, 1150 and 1151 during the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I. The 1139 attack again resulted in a fire that destroyed part of the city, with citizens being held for ransom. Another fire in 1189 destroyed much of the city for the fourth time that century.[8]

Worcester received its first royal charter in 1189. In 1227 under a new charter allowed a guild of merchants was created, with a trading monopoly for those admitted.[8] Worcester’s institutions grew more slowly than those of most county towns.[8]

Jewish persecution and expulsions
See also: History of Worcester § Jewish life, persecution and expulsions
Worcester had a small Jewish population by the late 12th century. Jewish life probably centred round what is now Copenhagen Street.[14] The Diocese was hostile to the Jewish community. Peter of Blois was commissioned by a Bishop of Worcester, probably John of Coutances, to write an anti-Judaic treatise around 1190.[15] William de Blois as Bishop of Worcester imposed strict rules on Jews within the diocese in 1219.[16] As elsewhere in England, Jews had to wear square white badges, supposedly representing tabulae.[17] Blois wrote to Pope Gregory IX in 1229 to request further powers of enforcement.[18] In 1263 Worcester’s Jewish residents were attacked by a baronial force under Robert Earl Ferrers and Henry de Montfort. Most were killed.[8] The Worcester massacre was part of a wider campaign by allies of Simon de Montfort at the start of the Second Barons’ War. In January 1275, Jews still in Worcester were expelled to Hereford.[8]

Late medieval
Worcester elected its Member of Parliament at the Guildhall, by the loudest shout rather than the raising of hands. Members of Parliament had to own freehold property worth 40 shillings a year. Their wages were levied by the Constable.

Tudor buildings in Friar Street
The city council was organised by a system of co-option, with 24 members of the high chamber and 48 of the lower. Committees appointed two bailiffs and made financial decisions; the two chambers agreed the city’s rules or ordinances.[8]

By late medieval times the population had reached 1,025 families, excluding the cathedral quarter, so that it probably stood under 10,000.[19] Worcester’s suburbs extended beyond the limits of its walls[8]

Manufacture of cloth and allied trades was significant for the city.[8]

Craft guilds
Medieval and early modern Worcester developed a system of craft guilds to regulate who could work in a trade, lay down trade practices and training, and provide social support for members. The city’s late medieval ordinances banned tilers from forming a guild and encouraged tilers to settle in Worcester to trade freely. Roofs of thatch and wooden chimneys were banned to reduce risks of fire.[8]

Early modern period
See also: History of Worcester § Early modern period

Worcester, 1610 map
The Dissolution saw the Priory’s status change, as it lost its Benedictine monks. As elsewhere, Worcester had to set up “public” schools to replace monastic education. This led to the establishment of King’s School. Worcester School continued to teach. St Oswald’s Hospital survived the dissolution, later providing almshouses;[20] the charity and its housing survives to the present day.

The city gained the right to elect a mayor, and was designated a county corporate in 1621, giving it autonomy from local government. Thereafter Worcester was governed by a mayor, recorder and six aldermen. Councillors were selected by co-option.[8]

Worcester contained green spaces such as orchards and fields between its main streets, within the city wall, as appears on Speed’s map of 1610. The walls were still more or less complete at the time, but suburbs had been established beyond them.