Bewdley, Blackstone Rock 1904

Photo ref: 51979

More about this scene

Blackstone Rock, a great outcrop of sandstone rising sheer from the river, is shrouded with trees. Springs bubble up through the underlying sandstone, just as they do at Spring Grove House (now the Safari and Leisure Park). In the 18th century a hermit or holy man lived in a small hollow in the rock. It was a treacherous spot for river currents (the Severn has a tidal bore), and to safeguard their passage the sailors would throw money and gifts from the trows to the hermit, thinking that his prayers would ensure a successful trip. Sometimes as many as 400 trows could be waiting between Bewdley and Blackstone for high tide. The first fair charter was dated 1376, and the fair was held on February 5 each year on the Feast of St Agatha. By the 16th century, when there were three fairs, traffic on the river was further increased.