Resources - Plotting the Past, Planning the Future - 1th century Worcester

Plotting the Past, Planning the Future - Life in 13th Century Worcester

St Helen's, Fish Street - 2000 (26k)

The Church - The Church was a very important influence in the development of the city, mainly through the bishops and the Cathedral priory, both of whom owned large parts of the city centre and surrounding areas. However, it was the parish churches which catered for the daily spiritual needs of the citizens.In 1250 the churches would have dominated the city street scene. Of the twelve churches in the city at the time of the model, only St. Alban’s, in Deansway (now the MAGGS day centre), retains its early medieval appearance.

St. Helen’s Church

St Helen’s Church in Fish Street was the most important city church in Anglo-Saxon times, and would certainly have been a substantial building by the 13th century, though it has been heavily rebuilt since. A chantry chapel was founded at the church in 1288, so that prayers could be said for the soul of one Stephen Spagard, and it is possible that the north chancel aisle - perhaps the oldest part of the present church - was built to house it.

Markets and Trade - Shops would have lined many of the streets in the city centre, in particular the High Street, selling goods from Worcester’s local hinterland - including the Severn and Teme valleys and the Vale of Evesham - as well as from further afield. Markets concentrated on the local trade. The most important market areas were around the High Cross, outside the Guildhall, and the Grass Cross, now known as The Cross, at the northern end of the High Street. Specialised street markets included the Garden Market, around St Nicholas church, for vegetables and other produce, the Cornmarket, for grain and flour, and the ‘beast market’, in All Hallows near All Saints’ Church.

Marketplace at All Hallows

Markets were held throughout the City on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and even Sundays. Other goods - cloth, exotic foods, metalwork or building materials - were often traded at fairs. From 1218 there was an annual fair during the four days leading up to the Feast of St. Barnabas on June 11th. This was held on the High Street and alternated between the area by St. Helen’s church and The Cross, which may reflect dual control of its organisation by the City and the Bishop. Imported goods began to be more important in Worcester during the 13th century, and included wine and pottery from France.