Unlock new family discoveries in millions of Worcestershire records online

By the Middle Ages, the economy in Worcestershire relied heavily on the wool trade. The county was on the royalist front line during the English Civil War. As a result, the area was heavily taxed, and productivity was reduced as men were press-ganged into the army. The north of the county became vital for military supplies. 

Fast forward to the 19th century and Worcester had become a glove manufacturing centre. Kidderminster had a thriving carpet industry, while Droitwich Spa had been producing salt since Roman times. Was your ancestor a glovemaker, a carpet magnate or a saltworks owner? 

Worcestershire’s more recent past reveals many interesting facts. Sir Rowland Hill, inventor of the Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, came from Kidderminster. The county is also well known for Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce. Nowadays, the area is making a name for itself as a centre for cybersecurity technology.