Stourport-on-Severn is almost unique as a town that was only built as a result of the coming of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. It was nothing more than a rural village of around 200 people, until the canal made its mark on the place forever!
Discovering Stourport Heritage
Visitors to the Tontine Stable and the Old Ticket Office on York Street can find out about the development of Stourport the town through these mini-museums! They are open during events and a visit can be arranged by contacting Stourport Forward.
The Old Ticket Office, once a coal merchant’s office, is home to a fascinating collection of artefacts giving clues to the heritage of the town. Both of the buildings and working boat Bramble are managed by Stourport Forward and post Covid-19, services are being carefully re-opened. Guided walks and heritage room tours are available, by prior appointment. Audio guides are now available, so there may be a small charge for the service.
Short trips on heritage working boat Bramble can be arranged for small groups. Bramble is a historic boat, built in 1934, with no facilities, but visitors are welcome to join us for a limited trip as the boat is run in order to maintain her as an historic exhibit. Visitors tell us that they are amazed to see a different view of the town, as they travel through locks, across the extensive canal basins and through the hidden waterways!
All guided walks and trips are run by Stourport Forward Ltd, a not for profit organisation – donations are always welcome.
For more information or to make a booking, please contact us by emailing info@stourportforward.org.uk or calling 01299 827 822. Our office is normally open on Tuesdays.
A timeline of the Town
Some of the key events in Stourport-on-Severn’s history, from 1768 to the present day.
Burlish Camp & Rifle Range
The Burlish Camp and Rifle Range Heritage Projects (2012 and 2014) celebrated the use of that site in World War Two by American forces as a training camp and a hospital, as well as the long history of military use of the Rifle Range site from 1900 to the 1960’s.
You can learn more about Stourport’s fascinating military history, including a 1944 visit by Lieutenant General George S. Patton, Commanding General of the U.S Third Army, on the Burlish Camp website.
Videos
Albert Mogg is making history come alive on video by posting his historic videos to his YouTube channel. Albert made a series of films between 2002 and 2007 and has always been enthusiastic about making sure our history is accessible. You can see his films about the Tontine, the Town Clock, the Methodist Church and other local events at: below you’ll find the link to subscribe to Albert’s YouTube channel and a link to one of the videos.
If you would like to contact Albert you can do so by email: albertmogg@hotmail.co.uk
Historic attractions
There are lots of great ways to learn about the rich History of Stourport-on-Severn. Below are some attractions that are historically relevant, or you can visit to learn more.
Want to get involved?
There are lots of heritage groups and organisations in and around Stourport that you can get involved with, either as a regular volunteer, occasional contributor or simply in a social capacity.