Now better known as a Service Area on the M5 motorway the village that lends it its name has a far greater history; Strensham is the first village in Worcestershire when coming up the motorway from Tewkesbury. The village is first mentioned in 972 in a charter granting the lands to the Abbey of Pershore, the name seems to derive from the Old English "Strengisho" meaning Strongs Hill of Strongs homestead. By the 13th century the Russell family were the largest landowners and they held sway for 400 years, they built a fortified and moated manor house at Lower Strensham. During the Civil War the castle was besieged by the Parliamentary army and despite staunch defence by Sir William Russell, than the Governor of Worcester at the time, the gained control and raised the castle to the ground, only the moat now remains behind Moat Farm. The Russell`s moved to Upper Strensham and built a new house, Strensham Court; Upper Strensham is now the principle area of settlement. Sir Francis Russell founded six Almshouses in 1697 but these fell into disrepair in the 1950`s after the last residents left, they were restored in 1985 into three cottages. About a mile away set in a knoll overlooking the River Avon and the Bredon Hills is the parish church of St.John, externally it is a fairly plain with a 14th perpendicular west tower but inside it is one of the hidden treasures of Worcestershire. There no less than thirteen brasses and monuments to the Russell family dating back to 1375 each depicted in period costume; a west gallery with 23 painted figures of saints dating from the 15th century although they were "touched up" in 1876; a double decked Pulpit; circular Norman Font and some early 16th century pews. There is also a monument to Samuel Butler - who is buried in Westminster Abbey - one of Britain's finest poets and artists who was born in Strensham, he is most famous for his fiercely anti-puritan poem Hudibras. So gentle reader, if, when stopping off at the Service area spend a little time at Strensham it will be worth your while.
Places to Stay near Strensham
Days Inn Tewkesbury (1.07 miles)
Anchor Inn (1.95 miles)
The Anchor Inn, Eckington can be found in the Vale of Evesham between Bredon Hill, the westerley outcrop of the cotswolds and the Malvern Hills to the west. It is ... More
Hilton Puckrup Hall (2.13 miles)
The Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel combines the elegance of a former Regency Mansion with the facilities of a modern hotel. Situated in 140 acres of parkland with its own championship golf ... More
Bank Cottage Guest House (2.84 miles)
Bank Cottage Guest House is a traditional styled B&B, friendly, family run Guest House. Situated in the north of the Cotswolds. Ideal location - 2 miles from the market town ... More
Hardwick House Bed & Breakfast (2.84 miles)
The Malt House (3.07 miles)
The Malt House is a beautiful 17th century Cotswold stone and brick house providing bed and breakfast. Its quiet location in the heart of a pretty English village and less than 50 yards away ... More | visit website
The Swan Hotel (3.10 miles)
Set in the quaint English town of Upton upon Severn, The Swan Hotel with its stunning riverside setting warmly welcomes you to take a break in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside. ... More
White Lion Hotel (3.18 miles)
Our philosophy at The White Lion is quite simple. We offer good old fashioned hospitality with attentive service, good food, fine wines, quality beers, comfortable rooms, ambient surroundings and value for money.
With all this in ... More | visit website
Nursery Court B&B (3.50 miles)
Premier Inn Tewkesbury Central (3.90 miles)
Located in the picturesque market town of Tewkesbury. Local attractions include riverside walks, Tewkesbury Abbey and being in the heart of the Cotswolds, Broadway, Bourton on the Water and the Vale of Evesham are all ... More | visit websiteBrit Quote: |
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