Victorian - 19th Century (1837 -1901)

As Worcester entered the Victorian era it had a well established canal between the city and Birmingham. In 1850 Worcester also got it's first rail line. It was delayed as a result of arguments regarding the gauge. In fact the transportation network saw a lot of change and conjecture for a long period over this time. Things changed dramatically as the level of the Severn had dropped and plans to deepen the river to encourage larger shipping in the area were overthrown. But the advent of the railway in the city helped to boost industry in the area. Worcester had lost its importance now as an industrial centre and the black country took the forefront for heavy industry, Worcester could not compete. Nevertheless, the Fownes was built 1884 to make gloves (despite the decline of gloving in Worcester since 1824). Aside to some other famous manufacturers in the city such as Worcester Porcelain, we saw the creation of Worcester Sauce by the chemists Lea and Perrins and the establishment of Kays, as William Kay moved to the area in the 1870's and finally bought the original Jewelers which was established back in 1794.

As always the city still struggled with poverty, much of the city did not have fresh water or adequate sewerage and with a population 0f over 27,000 new pumping stations and a holding reservoir were built. In 1894 the Powick mill was transformed into a power station which provided much of the cities power needs until a power station was built on Hylton Road 8 years later.

Above: The Fownes Glove factory, now Worcester's leading hotel.

Above: The Kays building (now converted into luxury apartments)

Above: The Victorian City Library and Museum

Above: The Powick Mill

Above: Lea and Perrins, home of Worcestershire Sauce