Village History

Kempsey is a village and civil parish in the Malvern Hills District in the county of Worcestershire, England.

It is bounded by the River Severn on the west, and the A38 main road runs through it and is about 3 miles (5 km) south of Worcester.

The village has a long history. Its name is derived from the Saxon “Kemys’ Eye”, or the island of Kemys. Kemys was a Saxon chief, whose island lay between marshes and the River Severn. One of the roads in Kempsey, Lyf’s Lane, is named after another Saxon chief.

The village was recorded in the 11th century Domesday Book as having a value of £7.

The local Anglican church of St. Mary was built between the 12th century and 15th centuries, and the 15th century tower is 82 feet (25 m) tall. The composer Sir Edward Elgar lived in the village from 1923 to 1927, during which time he was made Master of the King’s Music. The village has several pubs including one named after Bishop Walter de Cantilupe.[1]

Kempsey is a fairly large village with a Morrisons Daily, 4 pubs (The Talbot, The Anchor, The Crown Inn, The Walter De Cantelope Inn) and is home to The Lawns Nursing Home.

Kempsey Playing fields and park are situated at the top of plovers rise and the Kempsey common is situated on the other side of the M5 past bestmans lane.

The community centre is on the main road. Kempsey Primary School is the village primary school down elldson lane near the old post office on post office lane and Painters Cottage Nursery.

The rocky is a staple of Kempsey located next to St Marys Church on Church St. North-west of the village is Seabourne Leisure a holiday park near the river severn, which runs alongside the village.

Nearest supermarkets are Tesco and Aldi in Worcester and Warners Supermarkets in Upton-Upon-Severn. St Peters Garden Center and Hartland Plant Centre are the nearest garden centres.