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As part of Worcester’s Charter 400 celebrations, a team of academics from the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ will be hosting a series of talks at The Hive on Saturday (October 9).

The event, entitled Explorations of Worcester’s History Through Four Centuries, will draw on the experience and expertise of academics to explore the significant role that Worcester has played in shaping our wider national culture over the last 400 years.

Talks will range across a variety of topics, from Worcester’s role in the fight for women’s rights, to the industrial archaeology of the City’s much loved Worcester porcelain, and from Charles Hasting’s and Worcester’s role in the founding of the British Medical Association, to a glimpse into the trials and tribulations of everyday life for those on the Worcester Home Front during the two great wars of the last century.

For those of a more supernatural persuasion, there will even be a talk discussing the legend of Oliver Cromwell’s supposed meeting with the Devil in Perry Wood on the night before the Battle of Worcester.

Neil Fleming, Professor of Modern History at the ¹ú²úÊÓƵ and the convener of the event, said: “Academics at the University wish to mark our wonderful city’s landmark anniversary by sharing with the public our research on its rich and fascinating history.”

The granting of a Royal Charter to Worcester by King James I in 1621 formalised the City’s governance, created a mayor, and, many believe, created the City of Worcester as we know it today.

Although Charter Day itself was the 2nd of October, Charter 400 events will continue throughout the year, celebrating Worcester’s rich heritage and culture, and providing a timely boost for the whole community after the challenges of the pandemic.

For more information about the Charter 400 celebrations, visit: