Alcester, Warwickshire

19 October 2007

Alcester is the quintessential English market town, an architectural gem with a lively community feel, set in the attractive, rolling Shakespeare countryside.

You only have to stroll round Alcester to appreciate the medieval street patterns and fantastic number of historical buildings, including St Nicholas’ Church built in the 14th century and the 17th century Town Hall. Steeped in history from all ages, Alcester dates back to Roman times and is one of the most studied and understood settlements from this period in the country. Today, with over 9,000 residents, it stands as a thriving and dynamic market town offering a variety of goods, services and tourist attractions.

The High Street is home to various picture post-card Tudor cottages, many having been sympathetically restored over the years, adding great character to the town and attracting many visitors year after year. But what does the average visitor do when they visit Alcester?

The Alcester War Memorial Town Hall was bought for the people of the town for the princely sum of £620 in 1919. It was to serve as a memorial for those men who gave their lives in the First World War. Alcester Heritage Centre at Globe House, Priory Road, has a Roman Alcester exhibition that details much of the town’s ancient past. This free and excellently put together exhibition boasts a display of objects that have been found from some of the 100 or so archaeological digs that have taken place in and around Alcester over the last 80 years. Visitors can even help sort some of the finds out and try on a Roman tunic!

Globe House also has a heritage trail that leads to some important historical buildings, a selection of traditional pubs and some of Alcester’s finest independent shops, antique dealerships and specialist retailers.

A refreshing afternoon tea is also recommended at the delightful Tudor Rose on the high street before a trip to Coughton Court for those who feel they still have energy to discover more.
The historic house of Coughton Court, built in 1530, was home to the Throckmorton family and is now owned by the National Trust and open to the public as a stately home. Well known for its association with the gunpowder plot of 1605 it boasts a thorough exhibition and, for those that like strolling round outside, there are spectacular gardens that are perfectly in keeping with the period of the house.

Ragley Hall can be found just two miles south-west of Alcester. The 17th Century stately home is set in 400 acres of countryside and has a famous maze as well as gardens and many things to see inside the building.

For more information on the area visit www.alcesterstandard.co.uk

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