KIDDERMINSTER ROTARY CLUB: The club was recently treated to fascinating pictorial journey by Richard Perrin, Chairman of Bewdley Civic Society. Bewdley, originally called Beaulieu meaning “Beautiful Place”] had, by 1100 AD, been given to the Mortimer Family by The King. By then the family had territory extending into the Welsh Marches and Bewdley prospered as an inland port. Thus the town flourished and many grew wealthy.

But it was Wribbenhall that was mentioned in The Doomsday Book. Richard showed many etchings, paintings and photos of places and events including the town’s swimming baths on the riverside, bridges, river craft and old houses like Tickenhall Manor. This was originally a Royal Palace (which had been re-built in 1456) was Prince Arthur’s home and here he was married by proxy to Catherine of Aragon in 1499.

In thanking Richard for such an interesting talk and huge variety of photographs, Rotarian Brian Fox added that his 4th great grandfather once imported water by boat to serve the landed gentry of the time. If you are interested in such topics or interested in supporting the work of Rotary International, why not check out our website:; and approach the secretary to join us at our regular meetings on Tuesday lunchtimes at The Mecure Hotel.