© Anthony Green 2010
The area before the existence of Redditch as a town
At the time of the Normans, most of the area which is now Redditch was covered in forest, and the important villages in the immediate area are those mentioned in the Domesday Book, made in 1086. They are Feckenham, Tardebigge, Beoley, Alvechurch and Ipsley.
In 1140 the Cistercian Order were granted a charter for the founding of Bordesley Abbey. The site selected was in level meadows, near the River Arrow and the abbey grew to become wealthy, owning many manors in the county and beyond. The name of Redditch probably did not exist at that time The abbey prospered for some hundreds of years until it was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1538. The name of Redditch now appears as it was included in the list of lands belonging to the abbey at its dissolution.
However, 1000 years earlier than this Britain was occupied by the Romans and an important North-South Roman road, Rykneld Street passed through the area which is now the east side of the town.
Rykneld Street (known locally and on old maps as Iknield Street) was about 80 miles long and started at the Fosse Way, south of the Cotswolds, finishing at Rotherham, a Roman Fort. Within Redditch it followed a route beginning at Washford Mill and leaving at Beoley crossroads and passing close by Church Hill Centre. The route is very clear following roads and paths through the area
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This is the site for Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre and is well worth visiting. | |
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This is the Bordesley Abbey Project site at Reading University and is very comprehensive. | |
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The Feckenham Parish web site has a page on the history of Feckenham and the Feckenham Forest. | |
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The University of Birmingham ‘Birmingham Roman Roads project’ has maps and information |
Short History - Roads 1: The Roman Road (pdf download) View YouTube Video
