Medieval remnants punctuate the market town of Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, UK


Medieval remnants punctuate the market town of Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, UK. Tenbury Wells is a market town north-west Malvern Hills, Worcestershire, England lying on the south bank of the River Teme, forming the border between Shropshire and Worcestershire. The history of Tenbury Wells extends as far back as the Iron Age. The town is often thought of as the home to the Castle Tump, but this is now in Burford, Shropshire following boundary changes. Though the Tump, possibly the remains of an early Norman motte and bailey castle, can be seen from the main road there are no visible remains of the castle that was constructed to defend and control the original River Teme crossing. It may once have been known as Temedebury and was in the upper division of Doddingtree Hundred. Originally named "Temettebury", the town was granted a Royal Charter to hold a market in 1249. Over time, the name changed to "Tenbury", and then added the "Wells" following the discovery of mineral springs and wells in the town in the 1840s. The name of the railway station, which was on the now-defunct Tenbury & Bewdley Railway, was changed in 1912, in an attempt to publicise the mineral water being produced from the wells around the town. For over 100 years Tenbury has been well known throughout the country for its winter auctions of holly and mistletoe (and other Christmas products). It is also known for its "Chinese-gothic" Pump Room buildings, built in 1862, which reopened in 2001, following a major restoration. It is a notable architectural feature, designed by James Cranston in the 1860s, to house baths where the mineral water was available. The part-medieval bridge over the River Teme, linking Tenbury to Burford Shropshire was rebuilt by Thomas Telford following flood damage in 1795. The Victorian Workhouse, designed by George Wilkinson, was used as the local Council Buildings from 1937 to the early 21st century and is currently being converted into residential housing.


Size: 5711px × 3423px
Location: Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Philip Chapman / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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