Worcester is an ancient settlement and the oldest church is believed to be St. Helen’s dating from the 7th century. A Saxon monastery was founded in 983 A.D. though the earliest parts of the present structure were built by St. Wuthan, who was the only Saxon Bishop to retain his See after the Norman Conquest in 1066. He also built the city’s first hospital, the Commandery, in 1085, which is now a museum.
The town has a number of ancient buildings including, Greyfriars, which was built in 1480 as a hostelry for travellers. A pupil of Christopher Wren’s, Thomas White, designed and built the Guildhall in 1721 and as a sign of the city’s staunch Royalist position throughout the Civil War, an effigy of Oliver Cromwell’s head, hangs by the ears on a wall. Visit Worcester’s City Art Gallery & Museum in Foregate Street to learn more about Worcester' history.
Worcester’s two best known exports have to be porcelain and sauce; in 1751 John Wall and a group of local business men founded a porcelain factory, which is now known the world over as Royal Worcester and Worcestershire Sauce first hit the shelves in 1837, about 14 years after Mr. Lee and Mr. Perrins went into business together.
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Liverpool was awarded the European Capital of Culture 2008. The vibrant city is renowned for its arts & culture and is home to numerous museums & galleries including a branch of the Tate Gallery. Read more ...
