Pictures of Bromsgrove

About Bromsgrove

A.E.Houseman, author of 'A Shropshire Lad' was born close to the town in 1859, the family home was Perry Hall which is now a hotel. Houseman is commemorated by a statue in the High Street, there is a Houseman society and a signposted trail in the town.

Bromsgrove has flourished since it's humble origins as a Saxon settlement. It is known to have been a village as far back as the 5th century and to have prospered throughout the middle ages when it became an important market town. Bromsgrove School was a revered seat of learning, thought to have been founded by Edward VI. The school continues to this day.

Although surrounded by agricultural lands, Bromsgrove has always relied heavily on industry beginning with nail-making which started in the 16th-century and continued until well into the 19th-century, when machines replaced manpower. Other industries have been the manufacture of Salt, Soap and Sulphuric Acid.

The Guild of Applied Arts was founded in Bromsgrove in 1894, by William Gilbert. It was to become part of the Arts and Crafts movement. Gilbert designed decorative ironwork, his most famous work being the gates of Buckingham Palace which he produced from his foundry in the town.

Bromsgrove's principal church is the Church of St.John the Baptist. The tower dates 14th-century and has an octagnol crocketed spire and the interior of the church has a fine collection of monuments which include 15th and 16th-century tombs of the Talbot and Stafford families.

At nearby Stoke Heath is the Avoncroft Museum which provides the visitor with a fascinating trip into the past. Here, buildings spanning seven centuries have been rescued and faithfully rebuilt on a lovely open air site.

Bromsgrove is in close proximity to the Spa town of Droitwhich where a Heritage Centre records much of local history. There are plenty of local restaurants, inns and public houses in the region as well as excellent shopping facilities.