At the History Group's November meeting, Heather Flack took us on a tour of Wribbenhall – in her opinion, an 'overlooked hamlet'.
Many of us will have passed through Wribbenhall on our way to Bewdley and beyond. However, we have probably been unaware that the settlement was mentioned in the Domesday Book and, although some have been demolished, it still has many fine half-timbered buildings. One of these dates back to the 14th century and another has preserved wall paintings from the 17th century. Until trade on the River Severn declined with the building of the canal at Stourport, the hamlet had several thriving businesses including one producing pewterware, a ropemakers and a wheelwright. All have now disappeared although work by the celebrated pewterer, John Duncumb, can be seen in Bewdley museum.
Heather promotes local history and is keen that the origins of the various settlements and hamlets are not forgotten, even when they are absorbed into larger, surrounding towns.