Redditch Walk: Town Centre【4K】

Located in the county of Worcestershire, and around 12 miles south of Birmingham, is the town of Redditch.

The name 'Redditch' is believed to be a reference to the red clay of the River Arrow which runs near the town (i.e. literally a red ditch). In the 12th century, Bordesley Abbey was founded close to where the town stands today. A community of labourers and craftsmen associated with the abbey formed in the area. In 1538 the abbey was destroyed in accordance with Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The workers in the area remained, forming the basis of Redditch in its early years.

In the 17th century, needle manufacture became the dominant industry in Redditch. During the pre-Industrial Revolution years this was merely a cottage industry. This began to change in the 18th century when two water mills in the town were repurposed into needle scouring factories (i.e. making the needles smooth, polished and rust-resistant). These were Washford Mill and Forge Mill. The latter is now home to the National Needle Museum.

In the early 19th century, fishhook and fishing tackle manufacture emerged as a second major industry in Redditch, whose population at the time was still around 1,000. The town would benefit from the opening of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal which passed through Tardebigge Wharf near Redditch. This gave the town an efficient way to transport its goods around the country. From around 1840 the water-powered factories were replaced by newer ones powered by steam. By 1850 Redditch was producing around 25 million needles and 5 million fishhooks per week. At its peak around 90% of the world's needles were manufactured in the town and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Further industries followed in Redditch including motorcycles, batteries and aero engine pistons - the latter of which were produced during the Second World War to aid the war effort. Its population had risen steadily to around 30,000 up until the 1960s. Then, in 1964, Redditch was officially designated as a New Town. This was to aid with the population overspill in nearby Birmingham. Since then the population has more than doubled.

Legendary rock drummer John Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame came from Redditch. A memorial statue to Bonham can be seen on Market Place. Other famous people from Redditch include actor Charles Dance and One Direction guy Harry Styles.

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Filmed: 4th November 2021

Link to the walk on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/1VamX13BBSzZ1V8d8

Filmed on a Sony FDR-AX700 with a Zhiyun Crane 2 and a Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Alcester Street
2:38 Church Green East
3:12 John Bonham Memorial Statue
3:44 Market Place
4:08 St Stephen's Church
4:22 Market Place
4:54 Church Green West
6:35 Easemore Road
6:52 Church Green East
8:46 Market Place
10:06 Evesham Walk
10:54 Unicorn Hill