The city's motto is Civitas in bello et pace fidelis ("the city faithful in war and peace"), and Worcester is famous for its Royalist stand during the Civil Wars. Worcester Cathedral was founded in AD 680, though the present building is Norman with a 14th-century tower. Worcester is also famous for Royal Worcester porcelain. South east of the city, the Avon river flows through both Pershore, its 18th-century town center balanced by the 13th-century abbey church, and Evesham, famous for its surrounding orchards full of blossom in spring, and with another abbey at its heart.
Cropthorne Mill * Worcester * Malvern Hills
Broadway * Evesham * Pershore
The Malvern Hills offer superb views from miles of hilltop paths. Iron Age man realized the defensive possibilities of these hills 2,500 years ago, and fortified the highest point. The Benedectine monks of the medieval priories used spring water from the hills as a curative. The water is bottled today and sold worldwide. The beauty of Broadway attracts the crowds. Golden-stone houses and cottages - gabled, stone-tiled or thatched, in 16th- and 17th-century style - fringe the broad main street. Overlooking the village is Broadway Tower, 1,000 feet above sea level, built as a folly in 1800.
