THAT Gypsies were known as 'Egyptians' in past times. In the Alcester Manor Court records in the 17th century it warns citizens against 'harbouring Egyptians! (The Court hit the nail on the head, for it is believed that the Romanies originated in Egypt.)

THAT alleyways between houses (and probably other places) are, and were, known as 'cheweries.' There is little mention of such in documents but an example in Alcester's manor court in 1665 shows the term to have a long history: 'Joseph Price is to clean the chure between his house and the next.'

THAT Lower Lodge Farm and its outbuildings on Primrose Hill stand on the site of the first Roman fort at Alcester. This was clearly seen since the World War II when an aerial photograph identified the outline of the fort, with its typical 'playing-card' corners. It was occupied some time around A.D.50. Later during the Roman occupation it is believed that a second fort replaced it in the new town of Alcester which had sprung up on the lower ground. The precise situation has yet to be found.

THAT the Alcester and District Local History Society has only scratched the surface in researching the Lower Arrow Valley. We have examined the historical documents of the following parishes and published their histories:-Alcester, Oversley, Arrow, Haselor, Kinwarton, Coughton and Spernall. Yet to do are Sambourne, Studley, Morton Bagot, Great Alne, Wixford and Exhall, Bidford-on-Avon, Aston Cantlow and Salford Priors. Did you know that we need people to transcribe the documents concerning these places which lie on the shelves of the local Record Offices? This is a lengthy business, requiring people with plenty of spare time. We are more than willing to point their pencils in the right direction!

Winter 1993 Index