Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Local Industry

Many of the local industries developed from the need to supply neighbouring towns with food. Farming was widespread throughout the parish, with the emphasis on cheese-making, dairy farming and arable.

The quick flowing River Salwarpe supported seven mills along its course, with corn milling, paper making and fulling (treating cloth) being undertaken.

A number of supporting trades such as smithying and brick making flourished to serve the community.

The brine industry at Droitwich and later at Stoke Works also had an impact on the parish since wood was vital as fuel up to the 17th century, and large scale woodland management was practised in the area.

In the 20th century Webbs established seed trial grounds at Astwood. Today “Webbs of Wychbold” is the leading garden centre in the Midlands.

The famous BBC masts alongside the A38 in Wychbold were erected to enable worldwide radio transmissions in 1934 and are still a local landmark.

Salt Industry Cartoon
Agriculture cartoon © 2008 Ray Aspden
'Droitwich Calling' BBc cartoon © Ray Aspden
Horticulture - Webbs cartoon © Ray Aspden
Brewing cartoon © Ray Aspden
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