Upton-upon-Severn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upton-upon-Severn |
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 Upton-upon-Severn
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| Population | 2,881 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SO852405 |
| • London | 114 miles (183 km) |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Worcester |
| Postcode district | WR8 |
| Dialling code | 01684 |
| Police | West Mercia |
| Fire | Hereford and Worcester |
| Ambulance | West Midlands |
| EU Parliament | West Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Upton-upon-Severn, often called Upton, is a small town in Worcestershire, England. It is located in the Malvern Hills District. In 2021, about 2,900 people lived there.
Upton sits on the west bank of the River Severn, about 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Malvern. The town is famous for its unique church tower, called the "Pepperpot". This copper-topped tower is the only part left of an old church. A new church, also named St Peter and St Paul, was built later.
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A Look Back in Time
For many years, the bridge in Upton was the only way to cross the River Severn between Worcester and Tewkesbury. The bridge we see today was built in 1940.
Upton played a part in the English Civil War. Before the big Battle of Worcester, Oliver Cromwell's soldiers crossed the Severn here. They won a battle in Upton first. The Upton-upon-Severn Memorial Hall was finished in 1832.
Upton Today
The town's population grew from 2,881 in 2011 to 2,903 in 2021. Upton is part of the West Worcestershire area for Parliament.
Upton is right by the River Severn, which means it sometimes floods. In 2000, low areas of the town were badly flooded. In 2007, the floods were even worse, and roads into town were closed. The main part of Upton is on higher ground. In the past, it would become like an island during very bad floods. Now, special raised roads help people get in and out.
Upton is a lively place with three big music festivals. There's a folk festival in spring, and jazz and blues festivals in summer.
The White Lion Hotel is a historic building in Upton. It was a coaching inn in the 16th century, with parts dating back to 1510. It has a distinctive lion statue outside. People say soldiers from both sides of the English Civil War stayed there. The hotel is even mentioned in the famous 1749 novel Tom Jones by Henry Fielding. He called it "A house of exceeding good repute."
Learning in Upton
Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School provides education for younger students. In 2019, about 194 pupils attended this school. For older students, Hanley Castle High School is nearby. It offers secondary education for the whole region.
Famous People from Upton
- John Dee: A famous mathematician and astronomer. He was given a special role in Upton in 1553.
- Nigel Mansell: A Formula One world champion. He was born near Upton, in a place called Baughton.
- Admiral Sir William Tennant (1890–1963): A high-ranking officer in the Royal Navy, born in Upton.
- General Sir George Alexander Weir (1876–1951): A general in the army, also born in Upton.
Getting Around Upton
Upton used to have its own train station, Upton-on-Severn railway station. It was on a line that connected Ashchurch to Malvern. However, the train line closed in the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, you can travel by bus. Bus services 332 and 363 connect Upton to Worcester several times a day.
Even though the M5 motorway is close, the nearest motorway exit is about 2 miles (3.2 km) away.
Upton Marina is a place where boats are kept. It is also home to Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue, a team that helps people in trouble on the water.
