Alcester
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Alcester | |
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  Alcester shown within Warwickshire |
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| Population | 6,214 (2001) |
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| OS grid reference | |
| Parish | Alcester |
| District | Stratford-on-Avon |
| Shire county | Warwickshire |
| Region | West Midlands |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ALCESTER |
| Postcode district | B49-B50 |
| Dialling code | 01789 |
| Police | Warwickshire |
| Fire | Warwickshire |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| European Parliament | West Midlands |
| UK Parliament | Stratford-on-Avon |
| List of places: UK • England • Warwickshire | |
Alcester (pronunciation ; IPA /ˈɒlˌstə(ɹ)/ or /ˈɔːlˌstə(ɹ)/) is an old market town of Roman origin at the junction of the River Alne and River Arrow in Warwickshire, England, and situated approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) west of Stratford-upon-Avon. The 2001 census recorded a population of 6,214 in the town, which also has civil parish status.
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[edit] Historical significance
In Roman times Alcester (Alauna) was a walled town and fort of some importance, being located at a junction between the Ryknild Street Roman road and the ancient Salt way from Droitwich.
Once an important market town, Alcester was the site of a Benedictine monastery founded in the middle of the 12th century by Ralph le Boteler.[1] The monastery was once a thriving one. In 1318 Walter de Beauchamp, who had a seat in the neighborhood, complained to the abbot of the monastery that some of his monks had removed Beauchamp's possessions from his manor.[2] At the Dissolution, King Henry VIII granted the monastery to the Grevilles.
The town today includes a number of preserved Tudor and other houses, notably those near the parish church, in Butter Street, and in Malt Mill Lane. The Old Rectory, situated directly in front of the church, is a particularly interesting example of Georgian Architecture. A number of fine Victorian additions have been made at the rear of the house. The clock on St Nicholas Church is in an unusual position on the south-west corner of the 14th century tower, making it visible from the main High Street. The church also houses the tomb of Fulke Greville, grandfather of Fulke Greville 1st Baron Brooke.
[edit] Transport
Alcester once had a railway station, belonging to the Midland Railway (later part of the LMS), and situated on a lengthy loop line, branching off the Bristol to Birmingham main line at Ashchurch, passing through Evesham, Alcester and Redditch, and rejoining the main line at Barnt Green, near Bromsgrove. The loop was built to address the fact that the main line bypassed most of the towns it might otherwise have served, but it took three separate companies to complete, Alcester being on the Evesham and Redditch Railway prior to absorption by the Midland.
In addition, a branch line provided by the Alcester Railway company (later part of the Great Western Railway), ran from Alcester to Bearley, thus giving access to Stratford-upon-Avon. This line however was an early casualty, closing in September 1939. The Midland loop was due to close between Ashchurch and Redditch in June 1963, but poor condition of the track brought about withdrawal of all trains between Evesham and Redditch in October 1962, being replaced by a bus service for the final eight months. Redditch to Barnt Green remains open on the electrified Birmingham suburban network.
[edit] Current attractions
Alcester is known for two nearby local stately homes, Coughton Court, north at Coughton, and (south-west), Ragley Hall. Kinwarton, which is just north of Alcester, contains a church of Saxon origin, and a historic dovecote — Kinwarton Dovecote — which is a National Trust property.
Ragley Hall is home to the Jerwood Sculpure Park.
Alcester is also a significant town on the 100 mile-long Heart of England Way long-distance walking route.
Recent developments, made by the council, include 'Roman Alcester', a museum showing locally found artifacts from the 1st to 4th century AD. Admission is free although the museum is only open from Thursdays to Sundays.
[edit] Flooding
The rivers Arrow and Alne, which join on the outskirts of Alcester occasionally flood and engulf part of the town. Last occurrences were in 1956, 1998 and 21 July 2007. The rivers meet at Oversley Bridge, on the old Stratford road. Flooded pubs included: The Dog & Partridge, The Swan, Royal Oak, Three Tunns, The Bear, The Turks Head, Moat House Inn and The Twisted Boot.
[edit] Education and schools
Like most places in the United Kingdom, Alcester has a two-stage educational system, with students progressing from a primary to a secondary school. There are three secondary schools in Alcester: Alcester Grammar School (Performing Arts Status), Alcester High School (Technology & Music College), and St Benedict's Catholic High School (Specialising in Maths and Computers).
[edit] References
- Cave, Lyndon F., Warwickshire Villages, London, 1976. ISBN 0-7091-5509-3
[edit] Further reading
- George Edward Saville and Alcester and District Local History Society Staff (1986). Alcester—a History. Brewin Books.
[edit] External links
- Alcester.co.uk
- Redditch & Alcester Standard The Local Alcester Newspaper
- St Nicholas Church, Alcester
- A few views of Alcester in old Postcards
- Alcester Grammar School
- Alcester High School Technology College
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