Stourport-on-Severn

Stourport-on-Severn, often shortened to Stourport, is a second largest town in Wyre Forest after Kidderminster. It lies on the River Severn, at the junctions of the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal and the River Stour. At the time of the 2001 census Stourport had a population of 19,713.

History
Prior to the coming of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, in 1772 it consisted of two communities, Upper and Lower Mitton at the junction of the River Severn and the River Stour. The present town grew around the canal basins and the locks between the canal and the river and for 150 years was the principal location for the trans-shipment of goods from the canal boats into the river going craft called Severn Trows.

In 2006 Stourport-on-Severn was granted Fairtrade Town status.

Government
Stourport is part of the Wyre Forest District and it also has its own Town Council.

The town is in the Wyre Forest parliamentary constituency.

Notable Buildings/Structures
Stourport although a relatively new town (18th century) is fortunate to still retain exceptional Georgian residential, commercial and industrial buildings as well as a wide array of churches.


 * The Tontine lying alongside the River Severn at the junction with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal was build by the canal company and used for corporate events. The building is now set to be converted into residential apartments.


 * Baldwin's Warehouse


 * The County Buildings


 * The Civic Centre


 * Stourport Bridge


 * St. Michael and All Angels Church


 * Wesley Church

Famous People

 * Alfred Baldwin, the father of Stanley Baldwin, Prime Minister was born on 4 June 1841 in Lombard Street. He later became MP for Bewdley, owner of the foundry at the end Lombard Street which is now the site of the County Buildings containing the Library, Health Centre, Police Station and the Coroner's Court.


 * George Nicholson, settled in Stourport in 1808, until his death in 1825. He was a nationally known printer of the time. His printing press was at 15 Bridge Street, on the corner of Raven Street, and his premises are a listed building.


 * Philip Elsmore, Thames Television's most recognisable continuity announcer, was born in Stourport.


 * Clifford T. Ward, singer-songwriter, was born in Stourport in 1944.

Twin Town
Stourport is twinned with the commune of Villeneuve-le-Roi, France.

Football
The local football team is Stourport Swifts F.C.. There pitch is on [Stourport Road]].

River Sports
Stourport Yacht Club, Stourport Boat Club