Parishmouse Free Resources For Family Historians

The soil of this county, though various, is generally rich and fertile; producing grain and fruit in the greatest profusion, and abundant pasturage. Between Worcester and the Vale of Evesham, the soil is composed partly of red marl, and partly of a strong loamy clay, - the beautiful valley of Evesham consisting of a deep rich earth. On the borders, and in the various parts of the Coteswold Hills, lime-stone predominates, particularly in the more elevated regions, while the lower are covered with a rich loam. From Worcester to the Malvern Hills, the surface is clay and gravel; westward, deep clay forms the upper stratum in some parts; in others, a loose stony soil. – The Air of this county is mild, warm and healthy, there being but few lakes, and very little swampy ground. The inhabitants enjoy a most salubrious and temperate climate; a circumstance which, conjointly with the beautiful, rich and picturesque scenery which they furnish, contributes not a little to induce multitudes of loungers to make the villages of Great and Little Malvern, situated upon the eastern side of these hills, the temporary theatres of their gaieties. – The principle Manufactures of this county are seated in its city; they consist in the making of gloves to a great extent, and beautiful porcelain and cabinet ware. In other towns in the county are considerable tanneries, glass and iron works; many hands are also employed in the combing and spinning of wool, linen weaving, the making of needles, nails, fish-hooks, &c. Kidderminster has longed been formed for its carpets, and also for the manufacture of worsted stuffs, and fabrics of silk and worsted. This county is also noted for its fine cider, party and hops; and beautiful salt is obtained from the springs at Droitwich: the antiquity of the manufacture of this article here can be traced prior to the Norman Conquest, and at the present day it is its staple trade. At Dudley all kinds of ornamental and cut glass are got up in the most elegant style of workmanship. The iron works for manufacturing various descriptions of heavy hardware are very extensive; and the nail trade employs an immense population in Dudley and the neighbouring parishes: the stranger, approaching this district in the evening, is much struck with the innumerable lights seen in every direction issuing from furnaces, forges, collieries, &c.; giving not only to the face of the earth, but to that of the firmament also, an appearance of one universal illumination. The town of Redditch is almost entirely supported by the needle and fish-hook trade; there seldom being fewer than thirty flourishing establishments, employing numerous hands in the manufacture of these minute and useful articles.

Source: Pigot & Co.’s British Atlas comprising the counties of England with additional Maps of England and Wales, and London. 1840.