THE HERITAGE CENTRE IS OPEN:
Oct. - March Mon. - Fri. 9.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
April - Sept. Mon. - Fri. 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Sats. 9.30 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
CLOSED SUNDAYS
* FREE ADMISSION *
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Tourist Information Centre (HCL), St. Richard's House, Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa,
Worcestershire, WR9 8DS - Tel:(01905) 774312 (24 hours)
ABOUT THE HERITAGE CENTRE
The Droitwich Spa Heritage Centre opened in 1980 and is housed on the former Brine Baths site, which was first established in the 1880's. The present black and white building, known as St. Richard's House, dates from the 1930's and consists of a very friendly and welcoming Tourist Information Centre, a fascinating local history exhibition and a small but comprehensive range of brass rubbing plates.
The Centre is host to an ever-changing programme of temporary exhibitions to interest young and old alike. Various workshops and lectures are arranged in conjunction with these exhibitions.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The "award winning" Droitwich Spa Tourist Information Centre has an excellent and comprehensive selection of free literature allowing visitors to "discover" places to visit and things to see and do, all over the UK, but especially in and around the beautiful county of Worcestershire.
Mementos of your visit can be purchased from a wide range of personal Droitwich Spa souvenirs along with numerous outstanding publications, e.g. maps, guides and local history books
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Droitwich Spa from pre-Roman times to present day. This unique, permanent exhibition, is devoted to the long and fascinating story of the only salt-water spa-town in Britain.
Droitwich Spa brine exists far below the ground and emanates at the surface as springs. The Brine is so salty, that the Dead Sea is the only other natural source of salt water able to equal its strength and density!
Excavations in the town have revealed much about early Droitwich and its salt industry. Many of these remains are in excellent condition as waterlogging has helped with the preservation process. In one instance, unusual remains of a woman, dating to the Roman period, were discovered so well preserved that fragments of her brain have survived! Faces too have been reconstructed from Roman skulls and reveal some incredible facts about their lifestyles as well as giving us an insight into their appearance.
Salt
workers stacking salt
Production techniques. in the salt industry, are traced through Roman Saxon and Medieval periods and finally the ingenuity of the Victorians is studied closely. with the aid of an audio-visual display. which depicts the harsh reality of working in hot steamy conditions. in the salt works.
With the onset of World War I and huge, outside competition, the Droitwich salt factories eventually became redundant with the last one closing down in the 1920 s. Today visitors to Droitwich Spa come to bathe in the luxurious warmth of the brine. why not take the plunge yourself? Relax and gently eliminate those modern-day pressures.
* Talks in schools and guided tours available by appointment.
* Free worksheets and historical literature to visiting parties.
DROITWICH CALLING
Droitwich
Calling Exhibition
Come and experience a truly fascinating exhibition which brings alive the history of radio. An excellent "hands on" display which will delight both casual observers and radio enthusiasts alike.
Find out how a radio station made Droitwich Spa famous; why Droitwich Spa was chosen as the site for a high powered transmitter and how it operated. Visitors can listen to old 78 rpm records playing on a 1935 gramophone desk; a typical 1960's BBC broadcast and experience, in excellent working order, a 1920's radio which is thought to have been the first in Droitwich Spa.
An era of broadcasting can be yours to discover at the Heritage Centre!
BRASS RUBBING CENTRE
There are over 24 brass rubbing plates to choose from which range from the majestic King Henry VIII and his many wives to heraldic beasts and animals. They are popular with visiting children but we find that adults are just as keen! A small charge is made which includes the paper, waxes, use of the plate and someone at hand to show "first timers" the technique.
Brass
Rubbing Centre
ABOUT DROITWICH SPA
Along with the Heritage Centre, this ancient spa town offers many attractions. Amongst these why not visit the Sacred Heart Church; its interior is decorated with stunning mosaics made up of Venetian glass and thought to be some of the finest in Britain. Alternatively, relax in the therapeutic Brine Bath and enjoy all the pampering that goes with it.
In the village of Hanbury, 3 miles from Droitwich Spa, you will find the National Trust property, Hanbury Hall, and a craft extravaganza at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre. Information on these and many more places of interest can be found in the Tourist Information Centre.