The market town of Upton upon Severn straddles the river some 10 miles south of Worcester. Essentially Georgian in character its history can be traced back to at least the 9th century where, in 897 the King of Mercia gifted Upton to Winchcome Abbey and by the 12th century the Earls of Gloucester were the feudal chiefs. The river has acted as a natural barrier for travel and commerce between East and West. Crossing was a precarious business until Tudor times and by 1539 a wooden bridge had been built, being replaced by a stone structure in 1605 and was, for a time, the only bridge across the Severn between Worcester and Gloucester. This bridge lasted until 1852 when it was replaced by a draw bridge which was completed in 1854. This proved unsatisfactory, and the swing replacement for the draw section was completed in 1883. This was replaced by the present bridge in 1940. The early bridge saw one of the last and most daring exploits to take place during the Civil War. In 1651 the town was held by the Royalists; part of the bridge had been destroyed to hamper progress and during a night time raid eighteen Parliamentarians crept over the bridge, captured the church and held it until reinforcements arrived in the morning. During the next few days some 12000 troops crossed the bridge to advance on Worcester, the last great battle of the Civil War. By far the most prominent building in Upton is the former tower of parish church of St. Peter & St. Paul. Founded by de Boteler, a Crusader knight, in the 14th century, but built on earlier foundations, the bell tower is the oldest surviving building in the town. The original church was rebuilt in 1756 and the cupola was added to the tower in 1770 to replace a spire which had been pulled down. This gave it the „Pepperpot‰ name, which was originally coined as an insult. By the 19th century the church was too small for the growing population and a replacement was built at the other end of the town. It was consecrated in 1879. The nave of the 1756 church was dismantled in 1937 and the churchyard turned into a garden: it is an ideal spot for quiet contemplation. The church was declared an Ancient Monument in 1953. Upton has become host to many festivals; Jazz, Blues and Folk music each have their own and the Upton Triathalon is a feature of the sporting calendar, with boating on the river, walks in the hills and a wealth of fine Georgian buildings together making Upton upon Severn well worth a visit.
Attraction
Avonbelle River Boat Trips
Upton Heritage Centre
Dentist
Doctor
Inn
The Swan Hotel
White Lion Hotel
Pub and Bar
Blue Bell Inn
Drum & Monkey
Little Upton Muggery
Plough Inn
White Lion Hotel
Ye Olde Anchor Inn
Restaurant
Pundits Restaurant
Thrishna
White Lion Hotel
School
Upton Upon Severn C Of E Primary School
Solicitor
Taxi
Shops
Activities
Severn Archers(Archery)
Places to Stay near Upton Upon Severn
White Lion Hotel (0.06 miles)
Our philosophy at The White Lion is quite simple. We offer good old fashioned hospitality with attentive service, good food, fine wines, quality beers, comfortable rooms, ambient surroundings and value for money.
With all this in ... More | visit website
The Swan Hotel (0.11 miles)
Set in the quaint English town of Upton upon Severn, The Swan Hotel with its stunning riverside setting warmly welcomes you to take a break in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. ... More
Gilberts End Farm (1.57 miles)
Gilberts End Farm Bed & Breakfast is a Grade II Listed farmhouse, set in a beautiful rural area, giving travellers easy access to the surrounding towns, motorway network, and myriad ... More
Days Inn Tewkesbury (2.52 miles)
The Swan Inn (2.85 miles)
Hilton Puckrup Hall (3.26 miles)
The Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel combines the elegance of a former Regency Mansion with the facilities of a modern hotel. Situated in 140 acres of parkland with its own championship golf ... More
Gunnells (3.89 miles)
(Conservatory also has a double sofa bed which can accomodate 2 children for an extra charge) Completely seperate from the main house, you will be given ... More | visit website
Severnside B&B (3.97 miles)
Holdfast Cottage Hotel & Restaurant (3.99 miles)
Holdfast Cottage Hotel is a wonderfully warm and relaxing Country House Hotel situated in Little Malvern, less than two miles from The Three Counties Showground. Set in two acres of gardens and woodland, with ... More | visit website
Treherne House & The Malvern Retreat (4.57 miles)
Treherne House & The Malvern Retreat is an impressive and newly refurbished former Gentlemans' Residence offering wonderfully comfortable & stylish accommodation. Throughout the property we have a nice blend a ... More
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