Upton Upon Severn
Secret Past, Exciting Present
At first glance, Upton Upon Severn looks like many another
country town, but its appearance conceals a secret past.
| Upton Upon Severn used to be a port, as well as being the only
river crossing for many miles. For centuries before modern
transport, it was alive with river craft carrying goods from and to
the rich agricultural areas around it. Today, pleasure craft have
taken over. There is a flourishing marina on the east bank, and
Upton's historic prosperity can be seen in it's variety of
delightful old buildings, including pleasant places to eat and
drink. |
 |
 |
Upton is a town with a liveliness out of all proportion to its
size. Its attractive shops, its delightful inns and a variety of
events each year, such as the Jazz, Folk, Blues and Water Festivals
draw crowds in their thousands. It's a place that has much to
reveal.
|
|
The "Pepperpot"
Look out for the "Pepperpot", a most distinctive medieval church
tower topped by an 18th Century cupola in place of a spire. Inside
(it's now a Heritage Centre) you can find out what happened to the
church and also discover about one of the most dramatic episodes of
the Civil War or even the plague.
17th Century Buildings
When you look at the buildings in Upton, remember to raise your
eyes above the shop fronts as many of these buildings are older
than they look and it's by looking up that you see the clues to
their age.
|
 |
Upton Bridge
Today's Upton Bridge is still the only Severn crossing for quite a
long section of the river. As you look at its modern structure, try
to imagine the bridge which Cromwell's men managed to cross, in a
famous skirmish not long before the Battle of Worcester. Then ask
yourself where the old bridge stood - it was not on the site of the
present one!
Henry Fielding and Tom Jones
Henry Fielding the famous dramatist, journalist and author, who
based his books on friends and colleagues, stayed at The White Lion
in Upton upon Severn and in 1749 wrote of The White Lion in the
History of Tom Jones, 'Tom took ... his redeemed lady ... to that
Inn, which in their eyes presented the fairest appearance in the
street' and he called the hotel 'a house of exceedingly good
repute'. He also mentions The Rose Room and The Wild Goose Room,
both of which remain in use today.
Pubs Galore
It was recorded in 1822 that there were 17 Taverns and Coaching
Inns in Upton for a population at the time of 2,319 - there are now
8 of the original drinking establishments but the population
.hasn't changed that much, now approximately 2,600.
Upton in Bloom
'Upton Upon Severn was awarded a Silver Gilt medal in the Royal
Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom 2007 and 2008 campaigns.
In the regional Heart of England in Bloom 2008 campaign, it was
judged Overall Winner. The floral displays, including boats full of
flowers, provide a stunning welcome to the town. Upton is the only
town in Worcestershire that has been entered in Britain in Bloom
which is by nomination only, following regional 'In Bloom'
campaigns.
Further Information
The local Upton upon Severn web site
provides additional information.
Town Map
View a Map of
Upton-upon-Severn
