Kempsey.co.uk is your independent news and community blog for Kempsey and its surrounding parish in south Worcestershire. We’re here to share the stories that matter most – local news, village events, council updates, business spotlights, community projects and everything happening right here on your doorstep. Our aim is straightforward: clear information, honest reporting and a genuine focus on the place we all live in and love.
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A Village with Deep Roots
Kempsey is a large and diverse parish just a few miles south of Worcester, known for its rich history and strong community spirit. As of the most recent population estimates, Kempsey parish has around 6,350 residents, spread across both village and countryside – continuing a trend of growth from earlier census counts.
The parish includes not just Kempsey village, but also the neighbouring settlements of Kerswell Green, Green Street, Stonehall, Baynhall, Napleton, Broomhall and Clerkenleap – each with its own unique character and history. Wikipedia
A Glimpse into Kempsey’s History
Kempsey’s origins go back to early Saxon times. Its name derives from the Saxon chief Kemys, with “Kemys’ Eye” meaning the dry ground or “island” where the original settlement stood between marshland and the nearby River Severn – a name still reflected in local heritage.
The village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, showing its long-established place in English history. Over the centuries it evolved from a predominantly agricultural community into the thriving and well-connected parish we know today. St. Mary’s Church, with fabric dating from the 12th to the 15th century, remains a landmark and reminder of those roots.
At various times, Kempsey has been touched by broader history – from early Mercian settlement through medieval village life, to more recent growth as part of the Worcester commuter area.
What Makes Kempsey Special
One of the things that sets Kempsey apart is the way countryside and community come together. The parish is surrounded by peaceful fields, commons and natural spaces, with the River Severn forming its western edge and a patchwork of green land around much of the parish.
Despite its rural feel, local facilities are strong and varied. Kempsey supports a doctor’s surgery, church, village shop and Post Office, farm shop, primary school, youth centre, parish hall, playing fields, community centre and several pubs, all of which play an important role in everyday life.
The parish also has a wide range of businesses, from small home-based enterprises to larger local employers all contributing to the local economy and village character.
