Archive

  Starting a new endeavour is rarely easy. Delving into the story of market gardening reveals the challenges faced by the Vale of Evesham’s first growers. These are highlighted by one village’s struggle against high tithe payments – Dr Alan Wadsworth (Worcestershire Farmsteads Project) explores the challenge made against unfair charges in Offenham, just north...

Have you stories and photos which we can add to the archives to help tell the story of the effect of the pandemic here in Worcestershire? In May we launched the Worcestershire Coronavirus Project, in partnership with Museums Worcestershire. It is a significant time for everyone, and it is important that it is recorded for...

This month we have something a bit different to share with you. Whilst our Find of the Month blogs tend to feature interesting archaeological finds discovered by our field team, we also have staff specialised in recording historic buildings. These projects usually take place when a building of historic interest is refurbished, developed or demolished....

The expansion of communications networks, and in-particular cable and then electronic communications networks in the late 19th and 20th  Centuries, propelled the development of communications technology including the telephone, wireless (radio), television and computer, changing the technological, economic, political and cultural landscape, not only of the UK but the entire globe. This week we look...

Did you know Charles Darwin had links to Malvern? In this three part blog we look at his visits and connections to the water cure using some of the books and information in our collections. Much has been written about Charles Darwin and his discoveries during the HMS Beagle voyage [1831-36]. His observations of the...

On the 15th August we mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, Victory over Japan Day, when the Japanese forces surrendered to bring an end to the Second World War. We have brought together an online exhibition to commemorate the event, looking at Worcestershire’s connections to the war in the Far East, and how Worcestershire...

This is the first year of South Asian Heritage Month, initiated by the British Council. It is designed to help us explore the shared histories of the UK and South Asia. How have you been celebrating? Do you or someone you know have records to deposit with Worcester Archives Archaeology Service? South Asia is formed...

When we should have been watching the spectacle of the Olympic closing ceremony are you missing your fix of summer sports? Never fear we can instead be cheered by reflecting on Worcestershire’s sporting past. From the quirky hammer throwing of the past, to the more familiar athletics we have today, you are sure to feel...

Over the years we have worked with many local groups, and are keen to encourage and support communities to undertake their own research and projects. Our community excavations, such as those at the Commandery and The Hive, involved lots of volunteers, some of whom have gone on to take part in locally run projects. To...

From corner shops, large department stores and shopping centres to market halls and exchanges, public houses, hotels, restaurants, banks and office blocks, the scale, range and character of commercial buildings leaves an impressive legacy in the landscape.   Shops From the mid-19th Century the commercial sector – stimulated by increased mobility and the development of...