7 Towns

Summary

A film that shows the historical landmarks of seven towns in Worcestershire with an emphasis on their conservation.

Year:

1967

Duration:

0:58:19

Film type:

Colour / Sound

Genre:

Documentary

Master format:

8mm

Description

Part One considers Great Malvern, Tenbury Wells and Bewdley. A commentary (mixed with music) is provided to describe the locations (all views are external).

We begin with views of Great Malvern including a road sign for the town and views of the distant Malvern Hills. We see street views in Great Malvern including traffic. There are shots of the Priory Church, Abbey Hotel, Abbey gateway and the Abbey Hotel. The distinctive road pattern showing different levels is also in evidence. We then see views of Bell View terrace including Lloyds Bank followed by Church Street and finally Priory Park and the winter gardens including a view of the boating lake.

Next we see Tenbury Wells beginning with the River Teme followed by views of traffic on Teme Street and shots of the historic buildings on the street (decorations above a wine shop are also highlighted). We then see the Crow Hotel and views of the distinctive iron spa building with its spire. In contrast we then see views of new bungalows and houses. Next we see the Royal Oak Hotel and market street including the market building, a black and white timber building on Cross Street followed by further new houses built for older people. Next we see Pembroke House followed by Cornwall House and old buildings on Market Street that have been converted to offices. This is followed by the Parish Church of St Mary and cottages on Church Street. We then see a narrow footpath called Church Walk which comes out on Teme Street and the section ends with further views of the road bridge over the River Teme.

Bewdley is next which begins with views of the River Severn and the stone Thomas Telford bridge and its approach from Load Street. We then see buildings on Beales Corner followed by alleyways including Pewterers Alley and a sign for the Nunneries. Exterior views of the Malt House followed by views of lorries on the bridge, the old buildings on Severn Side North and further views of Load Street including the George Hotel and Evans garage followed by the Town Hall and Post Office before we continue with the Sayers Alms Houses on Lower Park (which requires restoration), a building that is said to be the birthplace of Earl Baldwin, homes built for 'poor women', a footpath to Park Alley which passes another historic black and white building, the Manor House on High Street, the Catholic Church of the Holy Family which is obscured by a twentieth century house. The look at Bewdley is completed with views of the Redthorne Hotel, High Street including the historic Bailiff’s House, St Anne's Church and views of heavy traffic negotiating Welsh Gate.

Part Two begins with Stourport on Severn and views of pleasure boats on the river. We then see the entrance to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal and views of the canal basins and lock gates being used by a variety of narrow boats and please craft. After a view of the Tontine Hotel we move into Bridge Street which is busy with traffic. There are also views of the quieter New Street and Lichfield Street with an emphasis on the historic buildings. We finish with a brief shot of the bridge and views of the River Severn.

We then visit Pershore beginning with views of the River Avon and the old bridge. After a shot of the Manor House Hotel we look at various Georgian buildings on Bridge Street which include the Old Malt House, Gerrard outfitters, the old fire station, Barclays Bank, the Willow Cafe, Midland Bank, and the Angel Inn (a former coaching house). After further views of the River Avon we see traffic and shops on the High Street (including the Co-op) followed by the Church of the Holy Cross (built on the site of Pershore Abbey) and the nearby church of St Andrew.

Evesham is next and we begin with views of the River Avon followed by Evesham Bell Tower and the church of St Lawrence. Next in Merstow Green we see the former grammar school building followed by shots of the stocks on Vine Street, the Almonry Museum situated in a Tudor building, the Royal Oak Inn and views of shoppers on market day. There are also views of Workman Bridge and Bridge Street including the Crown Hotel and a branch of Boots the Chemist. This is followed by views of further businesses on High Street and a footpath that leads via the church to Abbey Park and the river again.

The final town is Upton upon Severn beginning with the river, bridge and waterside area. We then consider the Bell Tower and see views of Church Street, High Street including the Old Anchor Inn and the Star Hotel followed by Old Street and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul with its rectory. We then see the Baptist Church, White Lion Hotel and a former pub called the Bell. We then see Narrow Court Street with views of the Court House and Royal Oak Inn followed by a footpath that runs back to High Street. We end with a shot of the Swan pub and the River Severn.


Credits

Produced by Worcestershire County Council