With a population in excess of 55000 Kidderminster is the largest of the Wyre Forest Towns lying about 4 miles (6.5km) north east of both Bewdley and Stourbridge straddling the River Stour. Named Stour-in-Usmere in 736 it was gifted to the a local chieftain called Cyneberght by King Aethelbald, it passed through he hands of the Bishop of Worcester and then to Cenwulf, King of Mercia in 816. Called by the Saxons Chiderminster (the Saxon - Chid - means Hill and - Dur - is water) the Minster part of the name indicates that there was a church, Minsters were "Mother Churches`". As with so many other places named in the Domesday Book (1086) it lost something in translation and was recorded as "KIdderminster". It remained a royal manor until King Henry II gave it to the Bassett family. Cloth making was first mentioned in 1334 and in 1735 carpet manufacture began to replace woollen goods, so much so the Kidderminster is now one of the biggest producers of carpets in the Britain. The upturn in the industry, so far as Kidderminster is concerned, was in 1785 when William Brinton opened his first factory in the town Brintons are still employ several hundred people and are the biggest employer in the town. Helped by its central location and with an expanding canal system - the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal runs through the centre of town - and with new machinery and working practises the industry rapidly developed with several firms involved in carpet making. The 1970`s brought a downturn in fortunes with cheaper foreign imports and rising costs but the industry still maintains a strong presents in the town. Kidderminster`s Carpet Museum charts the history of carpet making from ancient times up to the present day. The old commercial area of "Weavers Wharf" has been redeveloped in recent years and the Grade II listed Springfield Mill has been converted into shops etc. as part of the development. Kidderminster was the birthplace of Sir Rowland, born in 1795, who developed the modern postal system and is most famous for inventing the "Penny Black" postage stamp. There is a statue of him outside the Town Hall. Another notable citizen was the Puritan minister who began his ministry in Kidderminister in 1641, he preached for unity among the Protestant churches. The racing driver Peter Collins was born in the town in 1931, he was one of Britians greatest Formula One drivers. Kidderminster has a great wealth of Georgan and Victorian buildings but also, as the Weavers Wharf development shows, has it`s feet very much in the present.
Attraction
Bodenham Arboretum
Devil's Spittleful and Rifle Range Nature Reserve
Harvington Hall
Hopton Court
Kingsford Country Park
Stone House Cottage Gardens
Worcestershire County Museum
Wyre Forest Discovery Centre
Camping
Shorthill Caravan & Camping Centre
Caravan Park
Shorthill Caravan & Camping Centre
Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Care Home
High Habberley House
Hollyfields
Westley Court
Church
St John the Baptist Church
St Marys Church
Classes
Dance - Cerockidderminster
Yoga - Unwind Your Mind
Club
Dentist
M E Whitehouse & AssociatesP Bradley & Associates
Doctor
Church Street Surgery
Forest Glades Medical Centre
Health Centre Practice
Northumberland House Surgery
Stanmore House Surgery
Estate Agent
Andrew Grant FRICS
Clements Nigel
Connell Estate Agents
Lockwood Philip
Shipways
Whitegates Estate Agency Ltd
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Churchill and Blakedown
Habberley
Kidderminster
Wyre Forest Golf Club
Health and Fitness Club
Inn
Market
Kidderminster Farmers Market
Kidderminster Market
Performing Arts
Ceroc Worcestershire
Stagecoach Theatre Arts
Pub and Bar
Briars
Cricketers Arms
Crown Inn
Grand Turk
Horsefair
Park Gate Inn
Plough Fare Forest Inn
Radcliffe Arms
Station Inn
The Crown At Hopton
Viaduct Inn
Watermill
Ye Olde Seven Stars
Restaurant
Bhan Thai
Bombay Blues
Cafe Masala
Frankie & Bennys
Granary Hotel
Land Oak
Park Gate Inn
Plough Fare Forest Inn
School
Ceroc Worcestershire
Holy Trinity School
Stagecoach Theatre Arts
The Knoll School
Solicitor
MFG Solictors
Painters Solicitors
Stables
Taxi
Albany Taxis
Central Taxis
Elite
Hollands Taxis
Keelan Private Hire
Magnum Travel
Regency Radio Cars
Vet
Sports Clubs
Kidderminster Victoria CC (Cricket)
Samurai (Kidderminster) Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Spennells Valley CC (Cricket)
Young Gloves Karate (Martial Arts)
Shops
Orchids Corner
Boots
Early Learning Centre
Woodrow Nurseries
Whitlenge Gardens & Nursery
Sunset Nurseries
Pet Friends
Wilsons Pet Centres Ltd
Chapman & Myers
Blunts
Bridge 55
Evans
J D Sports
Staples
Carphone Warehouse
The Gallery
H Samuel
Peacocks
Gamestation
Bells Domestic Appliances
Dreams
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Specsavers
T K Maxx
Topshop
Antiques
Activities
Ministry of Paintball(Adventure)
Saints & Sinners Bowmen(Archery)
Canal Voyagers(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Wyre Forest CRC(Cycling)
Shatterford Lakes & Country Park(Fishing)
Birchwood Farm Livery(Riding)
Forest View Livery(Riding)
Places to Stay near Kidderminster
Ramada Hotel and Resort Kidderminster (1.88 miles)
Stay at the Ramada Hotel & Resort Kidderminster, experience everything you would expect from an international hotel company. Within easy reach of Birmingham, Stratford upon Avon and Worcester.
Set in 16 acres ... More
Park Hall Country House (2.09 miles)
Luxurious Bed & Breakfast Accommodation. If you are a busy executive or a family looking for extra special accommodation for one or more nights Park Hall is the prefect choice. ... More
Burlish Park (2.29 miles)
Granary Hotel (2.55 miles)
The Granary Hotel is a smart modern contemporary 3 Star hotel with a 2AA Rosette Restaurant set amidst the beautiful Worcestershire countryside near to Kidderminster. All bedrooms are ensuite and of a high standard with ... More | visit website
Severn Valley Guest House (2.70 miles)
A pretty 17th century bed and breakfast located in the idyllic town of Bewdley, Worcestershire. Severn Valley Guest House offers excellent value at very affordable prices and is a minutes ... More
Mug House Inn (2.94 miles)
Nestled on the Worcestershire and Shropshire borders alongside the river Severn sits the picturesque town of Bewdley, known for its Georgian architecture and quaint black and white cottages, with stunning ... More
George Hotel (2.95 miles)
One visit to Bewdley will explain why this town was once described as ‘the most perfect small Georgian town in Worcestershire’. Thomas Telford’s famed arch bridge provides a focal point ... More
Olive Guest House (2.98 miles)
Olive Guest House is a family run guest house / B&B, offering desirable and comfortable accommodation, with a private customer car park, set in a spacious Victorian house, providing the ... More
Woodcolliers (3.13 miles)
Stourport Manor (3.25 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
The Menzies Stourport Manor is set within 23 acres of beautiful grounds near the town of Kidderminster, with a brasserie and leisure club. Enjoy a mouth-watering ... More
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