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Kidderminster

Did You Know?

Sir Rowland Hill,  who was born in Kidderminster, is best remembered for inventing the first adhesive postal stamp - the Penny Black Stamp. In the 1830s, postage was paid by the recipient, not the sender. Hill argued that there should be a better system and came up with a flat rate, regardless of distance.

In the 1960s, a dance club in Kidderminster was one of the go-to places to see famous bands perform. Frank Freeman’s Dance Club provided a stage for many aspiring artists who went on to become household names. Fleetwood Mac, John Peel and Tyrannosaurus Rex are just a few of the bands that played there between 1968 and 1971.

Kidderminster is known for its once-thriving carpet industry. Many sites around the town have been commemorated for their links back to the famous trade but Mount Skippet has been remembered as the birthplace.

Way back in 1801 Widow Ann Robinson, her two daughters and a man, all from Kidderminster, were put through the barbarous trial by water for being a witch. They were flung into the Severn where 'they would not sink but soared aloft' according to a diary entry by Henry Townshend of Elmley Lovett.

Another gem that Kidderminster has to offer is the Carpet Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the town’s rich history in carpet manufacturing. The museum is housed in the historic Stour Vale. The museum’s exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of the local carpet industry, from its humble beginnings in the 18th century to its heyday in the 20th century.

If you like bird sighting, the Falconry Centre near Kidderminster is a must-visit attraction. The Falconry Centre is home to a diverse collection of raptors, including eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. The knowledgeable and passionate staff at the center are dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of these magnificent birds.

Kidderminster's Parish Church of St. Mary and All Saints is a Grade I-listed building built primarily in the 15th and 16th centuries. Another notable church is the Grade II listed St. John's Church, whose structure dates from his 1843. Other notable buildings on the town's register include the 1877 City Hall, the 19th-century mansion Shlabury, and the Kidderminster Register Office. 

Kidderminster Harriers F.C., formed in 1886, is the town's professional football club. Harriers' local rivals have traditionally been Worcester City and Bromsgrove Rovers, and more recently Cheltenham Town and Hereford United. As of 2013, Cheltenham are in the upper division above Kidderminster.