History of Romsley
and Hunnington
Here are some items of interest.
However, you will find many fascinating items about the history of the villages on the Romsley and Hunnington History Society website. www.rhhs.org.uk This includes a comprehensive history of the area, photographs taken over the years, maps and population. |
St. Kenelm's Church
St Kenelm's Church dates back to the eleventh century, and became Romsley's parish church in 1841. At the back of the church there's a spring and a well and tradition has it that St Kenelm, once king of Mercia, was murdered there. At the very spot where he was slain, a spring issued forth from out of the earth and the waters of that spring were said to have healing properties. People from all over made a pilgrimage to the church, to receive these waters, and to heal themselves. Bandages were left near the site of the well as tokens of pilgrimage and gratitude, and to this day, people tie ribbons to a nearby tree The entrance is by way of a porch with stone seats on either side. In the stonework above, deep grooves can be seen on which the inhabitants of the now vanished village of Kenelmstowe are said to have sharpened their tools or arrow heads. Its east window, with representations of Christ, the Apostles and St Kenelm, was given by the famous Victorian statesman W E Gladstone as his contribution to the 1846 restoration. For the legend of St. Kenelm's and more details about the church and ancient village of Kenelmstowe go to www.indigogroup.co.uk/edge/Stkenelm.htm |
Blue Bird Toffee and Hunnington
The Vincent family made the original Blue Bird Toffee from the beginning of the 1920's until 1999 when manufacture was transferred elsewhere. This park now sees other businesses operating within its confines but the magnificent pillared entrance is still a sight to see. You can also see houses originally built by the Vincent family for its workers in an attempt to create a garden village. |