Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire

THE HISTORIC brine town of Droitwich Spa is steeped in rich history dating back to the Iron Age and yet it is looking forward to the future more than ever before. Droitwich Spa owes its existence to the world-renowned salt reserves and its fame to the early marketing skills of 'Salt King' John Corbett who placed the town firmly on the map.

The reserves attracted settlers wanting to exploit the mineral as early as 200BC and provide a valued focal point today. The importance and associated wealth of the town's salt production was recognised by the Romans, who by 100AD had built a fort at Dodderhill to defend the area. Droitwich then began its journey to becoming a world famous spa - a position it still holds today.

Following the Roman withdrawal the Spa came to rely more and more heavily on its salt for industry and the town received its own railway in 1852 - the time salt production and the growth of heavy industry was at its peak. Slums were a feature of its streets and working conditions were tough, but the influence of entrepreneur John Corbett, ensured that Droitwich began to clean up its act as the 20th century approached.

The slums made way for the town's most well known features including the Raven Hotel, Lido Park and the magnificent Chateau Impney. Corbett also built the Brine Baths, exploiting the known therapeutic effects of salt water - an attraction that still stands today.

The restorative powers of the famous baths came to national prominence in 1823 during a cholera epidemic when sufferers were miraculously cured of the illness after bathing in the warm, soothing water. Throughout the 20th century the baths ensured Droitwich Spa was known the length and breadth of the country with thousands flocking to sample the brine both for medicinal purposes as well as relaxation, and, to this day, they remain one of the town's most popular tourist attractions.

Now Droitwich is very much looking forward to the future. The town has a wide range of stores and many new and established firms going from strength to strength with more businesses set to move into the town's shopping centre, Salters, this year. A new Waitrose development has also been completed.

Some work has already begun on the regeneration of Droitwich's canals to provide even more leisure and recreational attractions for residents and visitors alike. Lottery cash, along with other grants, is in place for the £11.2 million development, which will see the creation of a 21-mile cruising ring around the Spa and Worcester. Following the completion of the project in seven years' time tourism will thrive with boaters travelling through and mooring in the town on a daily basis. The regeneration will also include restaurants, shops and accommodation around Vines Park boosting business and trade even more.

Visitors to the town can find out more about its history at the Heritage Centre in Victoria Square but less obvious attractions include the Sacred Heart church on Worcester Road. The church's interior is decorated with stunning mosaics made of Venetian glass, which are generally considered to be some of the finest in Britain. In the village of Hanbury, just three miles from Droitwich town centre, the National Trust property Hanbury Hall can be found and is well worth a visit. The Jinney Ring Craft Centre is also nearby for those who want to pick up a handmade treat from a variety of traders.

For a short break, Droitwich makes the ideal base to explore the merits of this friendly town, as well as the wider Worcestershire countryside. As a place to live and work, it has all of the amenities expected of town in a rural setting, as well as a special charm all of its own which perhaps stems from its extraordinary history.

Location

Droitwich Spa is set in the heart of the rolling Worcestershire countryside, possessing everything you could ask of a small town.

Just seven miles from the city of Worcester and around 23 miles from all the amenities of the biggest conurbation outside London - Birmingham - Droitwich is surrounded by beautiful villages and yet has easy access to the M5 - M42 network. Set in the Salwarpe River valley Droitwich is also popular with those who enjoy river and canal cruising and is currently experiencing a multi-million pound restoration of its waterways.

For more information about Droitwich visit www.droitwichstandard.co.uk
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