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Since the mid 19th century, Alcester lost its lead in the
population table of the area to Studley. Since the reign of Elizabeth I, Studley has grown
more quickly than Alcester and Alcester itself in recent times has largely kept a good
second place by incorporating the parish of Oversley. Why, then, has Alcester presumed a
pre-eminent status in this part of west Warwickshire?
The historical background of this town must have a lot to do with it. Its origins are
Roman and this gives it a certain clout. We add to this the town's mediaeval position:
under the patronage of important families, notably Beauchamp, Greville and latterly
Seymour, Alcester became a centre for annual fairs and a flourishing weekly market. This
was the place where traders bought and sold their corn, leather and animals.
It seemed natural as the centuries passed to regard Alcester as central to planned
endeavours: the Turnpike Trust for the roads from Stratford to
Bromsgrove and Droitwich in 1753 was the 'Alcester Turnpike Trust': the Poor Law Union of
1834 of over 20 parishes was the 'Alcester Union' . The Rural District Council for
south-west Warwickshire of the late 19th century was the 'Alcester Rural District Council.
In all cases, the headquarters were here.
Other amenities have contributed to Alcester' s success: the town centre is small but
compact, making shopping easy: up to 1962 the railway had made Bristol, Birmingham and
London easily accessible to the inhabitants: in the days of the drovers, Alcester was a
natural port of call between Wales and the eastern counties, in the same way that it had
been for the salt purveyors from Droitwich from primitive times.
It has been a question of Alcester inheriting greatness, achieving greatness and, in the
end, having greatness thrust upon it. Studley and Bidford may naturally feel a little
aggrieved but history is often like evolution; it is often chance that plots our course.