Droitwich

Droitwich

Droitwich is a large town of over 25,000 inhabitants about 5 miles from the county town of Worcester. Droitwich stands on rich deposits of salt, and salt has been mined here for thousands of years. The Romans certainly valued Droitwich salt - four Roman roads converged on the town.

In the Victorian period Droitwich gained popularity as a spa town (indeed the proper full name of the town is 'Droitwich Spa'). Unlike spas like Buxton and Bath, people did not come to Droitwich to drink the natural brine waters, but to bathe in them.

The most famous native of the town was St Richard (also known as Richard of Chichester or Richard de Wych) who was born here in 1197. Richard rose to become Archbishop of Chichester and was canonised in 1262. Richard was probably baptised in the Norman church of St Andrews at Droitwich.

A little further afield stands Salwarpe Court, a Tudor timber-framed manor that was home to the Talbot family (see Bromsgrove). A few miles further on is Huddington Court, a moated Elizabethan manor.

Most impressive of all is Hanbury Hall, a charming William and Mary house of brick that was the seat of the Vernon family for over 300 years. Now run by the National Trust, Hanbury is set in 400 acres of gardens and parkland. The 18th century garden has been lovingly restored, and the interior boasts an exceptional staircase and collections of fine porcelain and Dutch flower paintings.