Worcester

Worcester is situated on the River Severn just south west of the Midlands and east of the Welsh border.

( This day was originally meant to be a day out to Warwick Castle from Bristol but my car driver decided that because of the heavy and slow traffic on the M5 motorway, Worcester was a better option as the destination seemed to be getting no nearer.)

"Short back and sides please, leave the top long"

Arrived at the riverside car park to find a sculpture demonstration ... or a horse having a haircut !!

Boat trips can be popular on the River Severn with 'The Earl' providing suitable transportation...

The Swan and The Earl !!

This historic boat built in 1926 takes the visitor to see various city sights from an alternative angle.

The Cathedral is probably the main attraction and has a variety of successive cathedral architectural styles from Norman onwards due to the building work commencing in 1084 and being completed in 1504. Most of the building work however is from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The Guildhall, built in 1721, is an ornate and interesting structure decorated with various statues including Queen Anne above the doorway and Charles I and II inside demonstrating the cities loyalty to the throne. The building was designed by Thomas White who was taught by the great man Sir Christopher Wren (St Paul's Cathedral). The interior has a mixture of panelling, paintings and an outstanding period function room upstairs. Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill are also commemorated as Freeman of the city.

Coat of arms

Three black pears were added to the coat of arms to signify the time when A Pear tree was planted in honour of the visit of Queen Elizabeth I. However, another story suggests that Archers gathered under a pear tree prior to the Battle of Agincourt.

Just across the street from the Guildhall, two percussion buskers plied their trade with buckets and paint tins ( leftovers from the Guildhall gate perhaps ??!! )

Not quite so royal !

The main shopping street was enhanced by a central row of trees, various other historic buildings and a craft market. At the top of the street, the visitor is greeted by the most famous son of Worcester ...

Eddie's place !

Sir Edward Elgar (1821 -1906) was originally a Piano tuner who owned a musical instrument shop in Worcester. It is said that he learned his first music in the Cathedral (opposite the statue) and although he studied German in the hope that he could one day go to a German Music Academy, his father did not have enough money. After a short career as a clerk in a solicitors office, Elgar began his musical journey by giving music lessons and eventually becoming a solo and group performer with various instruments. He developed his compositional skills by arranging music for his own smaller band from the influential composers of his generation. The works of Elgar are world famous with the Enigma Variations, Pomp and Circumstance Marches heard regularly at the BBC Last night of the Proms.

Although Worcestershire sauce has it's roots in the 17th century, it was not until the 1840's that it became popular. It was originally an accident as the Chemists of the time sought to design a curry flavour from the Indian sub continent during the early British imperialistic rule of India. The product was so strong that it was left and forgotten about in Lea & Perrins cellar. Storage space became a problem in the factory later and the cellar was emptied. The sauce was sampled again at this point and was found to have mellowed with age and the first bottle was sold in 1838.

Historic label

"You can't seriously expect me to try that thing again after the last time"

The Greyfriars is a National Trust property built in 1480 with extra building work added in the 17th and 18th century. The building was restored and saved from demolition after World War II...

"anyone for high tea ?! "

I am reminded in a visual manner that it is time to leave the seriousness of the city behind on one hand and think about lunch on the other. Having been to Worcester once before, there was only one destination....

Elgar's, makers of the finest Lemon Cake in the world !!! .... well almost.....

After lunch it was time to do a little shopping & check out the shops who were using the historic buildings..

17th century fashion

I must remember to store the gold in the middle of the shop!

Lastly, as the day was coming to an end, this hairdresser reminded me that it was time to check out the progress of my horse head manicure !!

Nice and smooth !!!