The town of Worcester lies mainly on the east bank of the River Severn. It is famed both for its piquant Worcester Sauce and for its porcelain, which has been manufactured here since 1750. In addition, this county town also possesses a beautiful cathedral and was the site of the last battle between the
supporters of the future Charles II and Oliver Cromwell's troops. Unfortunately the town has lost much of its charm as a result of industry and modern development. Its main products, apart from its famous sauce and its porcelain, are gloves (the remnants of a once great textile industry) and metal products.
The Anglo-Saxons took over a Roman settlement and named it "Wigorna Ceaster". In 680 it became an episcopal see. Bishop Oswald founded the Benedictine abbey here in the 10th C. Worcester was the first town to declare itself for Charles I in the Civil War, and the last to surrender to Cromwell after the war's last battle. This took place on September third 1651 some distance from the town, in which the future Charles II had set up his headquarters. On the same night the king began his flight which ultimately led him to France.
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