History

- Other Walks suggested by The Bewdley Civic Society

river

1. Walk down LOAD STREET to the bridge and turn along SEVERNSIDE NORTH to look at the quays where coal from Highley Pit used to be unloaded; its former name was Coals Quay. The MUG HOUSE INN commemorates the local custom of sealing contracts between the merchants and the men who manned the river boats. DOG LANE is the site of one of Bewdley's medieval toll-gates, removed in 1831; Bewdley's last blacksmith worked here and the road leads up to Welch Gate and the steep ancient main road to Wales. Many 16th and 17th century houses survived here until a short time ago; recent renovations have rendered most of them unrecognisable or they have been destroyed.

2. Walk up LOAD STREET from the GUILDHALL and take PARK LANE which runs uphill behind St. ANNE'S CHURCH, passing on your left Humphrey Burlton's almshouses which were endowed in 1645. At the top of the hill is Tickenhill, a fine 18th century house, incorporating a much earlier building; parts of the 15th century hall survive. It was for several centuries a Royal Manor and here in 1499 Prince Arthur married Catherine of Aragon by proxy; her daughter Princess Mary stayed there as a child. Follow the footpath across the park and notice on your left the timber-framed former Grammar School, established under James 1 and dated 1607. The path leads down to High St., passing the almshouses built in 1693 by Thomas Cook; follow High St. back to the Guildhall.