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When was Worcester in England founded?
Worcester is located in Central Massachusetts, and is known as the “heart of the Commonwealth.” Worcester was established as a town on June 14, 1722, chosen the shire town or county seat of Worcester County in 1731, and incorporated as a city on February 29, 1848.
Why was Worcester founded?
Worcester developed as an industrial city in the 19th century due to the Blackstone Canal and rail transport, producing machinery, textiles and wire. Large numbers of European immigrants made up the city's growing population....Worcester, MassachusettsHistoric countriesKingdom of England Kingdom of Great Britain39 more rows
How old is the city of Worcester Massachusetts?
Location: Massachusetts, United States (Central MA) Incorporated as a Town: 1722. Incorporated as a City: 1848. Population: 206,518 (Census 2020)
What is Worcester MA famous for?
The city, a noted educational and cultural centre, is the seat of the College of the Holy Cross (1843; the oldest Roman Catholic college in New England), Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1865), the Worcester State College (1874), Clark University (1887), Assumption College (opened 1904; university status 1950), and the ...
Where did the name Worcester originate?
Last name: Worcester This interesting surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational name from the ancient city of Worcester, in Worcestershire. The placename is recorded in the Saxon Chronicles as "Uueogorna ceastre" (889) and as "Wigraceaster" (904), and appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Wirecestre".
What does Worcester name mean?
English: habitational name from the city of Worcester, named from Old English ceaster 'Roman fort or walled city' (Latin castra 'legionary camp') + a British tribal name of uncertain origin.
When did Worcester become a town?
Worcester named after Worcester, England was first established as a town in 1722 and later became a city in 1848.
Why is Worcester called wormtown?
The moniker was bestowed upon the city by L.B. Worm, a locally famous disc jockey who coined the name in the late 1970's when rock 'n' roll was in it's punk heyday of green hair and pierced body parts. The Worcester punk scene was so lifeless that it made Mr. Worm think of death and worms--hence Wormtown.
Who settled Worcester Massachusetts?
Worcester, the county seat of Worcester County, is situated on the Blackstone River on the west side of Lake Quinsigamond, about 40 miles west of Boston. In 1673, Daniel Gookin settled in an area that had earlier been a camping ground for the Nipmuck Indians, which he called Quinsigamond.
What did Worcester invent?
The first practical typewriter was invented by Charles Thurber of Worcester.
Why is Worcester pronounced Wooster?
0:011:10How do you pronounce "Worcester"? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf I'm not tired. I pronounce mr. Wooster with there if I'm tired it's whispah Wooster WoosterMoreIf I'm not tired. I pronounce mr. Wooster with there if I'm tired it's whispah Wooster Wooster Wooster Wooster Wooster welcome to Vista. I have heard people pronounce Wistar.
Is Worcester bigger than Boston?
With a population of 184,508 individuals, Worcester is the second biggest city in Massachusetts. It is the county seat of Worcester County and is named after Worcester in England. The city is located about 64 km west of Boston.
What is Worcester known for?
Worcester's history of social progressivism includes a number of temperance and abolitionist movements. It was a leader in the women's suffrage movement: The first national convention advocating women's rights was held in Worcester on October 23–24, 1850.
When was the Worcester State Insane Asylum Hospital built?
In 1830, state legislation funded the creation of the Worcester State Insane Asylum Hospital (1833) and became one of the first new public asylums in the United States. Prior the Worcester State Insane Asylum hospital, all other treatment centers were funded by private philanthropists which neglected treatment for the poor.
What is the level 1 school in Massachusetts?
One notable charter school in the city is Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School, which teaches kindergarten through 12th grade. It is granted status by Massachusetts as a Level 1 school. It is the one of 834 schools in the United States to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme .
When was the oral contraceptive pill invented?
The Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in nearby Shrewsbury developed the oral contraceptive pill in 1951. Downtown Worcester used to boast major Boston retailers Filene's and Jordan Marsh as well Worcester's own department stores Barnard's and Denholm & McKay.
Is Worcester a city?
Named after Worcester, Worcestershire, England, as of the 2020 Census the city's population was 185,143, making it the second- most populous city in New England after Boston. Worcester is approximately 40 miles (64 km) west of Boston, 50 miles (80 km) east of Springfield and 40 miles (64 km) north-northwest of Providence.
Is Worcester a suburb of Boston?
Since the 1970s, and especially after the construction of Route 146 and interstates 90, 495, 190, 290, and 395, both Worcester and its surrounding towns have become increasingly integrated with Boston's suburbs.
Who is Robert Stoddard?
Robert Stoddard, owner of The Telegram and Gazette, was one of the founders of the John Birch Society . Sixties era radical Abbie Hoffman was born in Worcester in 1936 and spent more than half of his life in the city. Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 19, 2016 – Worcester. Party.
Where did Worcester get its name?
Some believe the name Worcester comes from the Saxon Wegeraceaster, meaning war castle, while others say that the city may be named after the Battle of Worcester (UK) in 1651.
What was the name of the settlement in the second attempt to settle the War Castle?
At the start of King Philip’s War, the settlement was abandoned. #2- It was at the second attempted settlement that the name “Worcester” meaning “war-castle” was adopted. This settlement was also abandoned in 1701. #3- The third and permanent settlement dates from 1713.
When was the first women's suffrage convention held?
The first national convention of women advocating women’s suffrage was held in Worcester on October 23 and 24, 1850. In 1854, Elm Park was the first purchase of land, with tax-levy funds, for a public park in the United States. Worcester resident Joshua Stoddard invented the steam calliope in 1855.
What was the population of Worcester in 1086?
By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 Worcester probably had a population of about 2,000. It would seem tiny to us but towns were very small in those days. By the standards of the time, Worcester was a fair-sized town. The Normans built a wooden castle in Worcester.
When was the Franciscan monastery founded in Worcester?
After 1084 the Normans rebuilt the cathedral. In the mid-13th century , a nunnery was founded in Worcester called the Ladies Convent. In the 13th century, Franciscan friars arrived in Worcester. The friars were like monks but instead of withdrawing from the world, they went out to preach.
What hospitals did the church run in the Middle Ages?
In the Middle Ages, the church ran the only ‘hospitals’ (which were often almshouses rather than hospitals in the modern sense). There were 2 other hospitals in Medieval Worcester, St Oswalds and St Wulfstans (later known as the Commandery). By the 13th century there was a grammar school in Worcester run by the church.
When did the Royalists surrender in Worcester?
A parliamentary army attempted to capture Worcester in July 1643 but was repulsed. By 1646 the civil war was coming to an end and Worcester was one of the king’s last strongholds. A parliamentary army laid siege to Worcester from May to July 1643. Eventually, the royalists surrendered.
When was the Kings School founded?
Kings School was founded in 1542. The Royal Grammar School was given a charter by Queen Elizabeth in 1561. Worcester was given a mayor in 1621. In the 16th century, the wool trade was still the lifeblood of Worcester but in the 17th century, it began to decline.
Where was the Royalist army in 1642?
In June 1642 a royalist army was making its way from Oxford to Shrewsbury with a hoard of gold and silver. The royalists occupied Worcester. A parliamentary army was sent to intercept them. The royalist army was resting in Wick Fields when the parliamentarians crossed Powick Bridge.
Did Worcester have a water pipe?
Sewers were dug under the streets of Worcester. In the early 19th century a piped water supply was created in Worcester – but only for those who could afford it. In the later 19th century the water supply was improved and extended to all the citizens.
What is Worcester State University?
Founded in 1874 as a teacher-training school, Worcester State University has grown to become a traditional liberal arts and sciences university with programs spanning the biomedical sciences, business, humanities, behavioral sciences, the health professions, and, of course, education. We are woven in the fabric of the Worcester community through myriad partnerships, and have evolved to become a resource for lifelong learning throughout Worcester County—and beyond. The links below let you follow the important milestones that brought Worcester State to where we are today.
When did Worcester State University become a state university?
Recognition as a State University. We became Worcester State University in 2010 when the Massachusetts Legislature voted to grant university status to all Massachusetts state colleges.
When did Worcester State College change its name?
By 1963, we had evolved into a liberal arts and sciences college, The Massachusetts Board of Education acknowledged this in 1963 when it voted to drop the word “teachers” and change our name to Worcester State College.
When was Worcester State University founded?
Worcester State University was founded as the Worcester Normal School in 1874 as the fifth state-funded normal school in Massachusetts. We were among the dozens of teacher-training schools established during the 19th century. Our first campus was on St. Ann’s Hill in Worcester.
When did Worcester State Teachers College become Worcester State?
Becoming Worcester State Teachers College. In 1932, we became Worcester State Teachers College and moved to our present location, 486 Chandler Street, on the site of Willow Farm, which was owned by Worcester inventor and philanthropist George I. Rockwood.
When did Worcester State College change its name?
By 1963, we had evolved into a liberal arts and sciences college, The Massachusetts Board of Education acknowledged this in 1963 when it voted to drop the word “teachers” and change our name to Worcester State College.
Who was the first principal of Worcester Normal School?
Worcester Normal School was distinguished by a progressive curriculum, established under the leadership of our first principal, E. Harlow Russell (1874-1909), and first apprentice supervisor, Rebecca Jones (1874-1912).
What was Worcester known for?
Worcester was the city of firsts for a diverse array of inventions. From birth-control to rocket fuel, Worcester has been at the forefront of some of the world’s most influential inventions. Here are some of the most interesting things to come from Worcester research labs.
Who was the first person to use birth control?
Worcester researchers led the way on birth-control between 1951 and 1957 with the development of Enovid, the first FDA approved birth-control pill. Gregory Pincus was a hormone researcher who co-founded the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology.
Who invented the typewriter?
In 1843, Charles Thurber created one of the first typewriters for the blind. Called the “Chirographer,” the invention was an improvement on the crude typewriters being produced at the time. It had raised lettering so that the blind could feel which letter they were hitting. Different forms of typewriters had been invented prior to Thurber’s, but they were either unreliable, or in some cases slower than handwriting. The typewriter would not enter popular production until 1870s, but Thurber’s patent was instrumental in showing the power of the typed word.
Where did Worcestershire sauce originate?
Worcester shire sauce has its roots in India but was actually created by accident in its namesake town of Worcester, England in 1835. The Lea & Perrins company says Lord Sandys (whose identity is disputed) had returned home to England to retire after successfully governing Bengal, India for many years. He so missed his favorite Indian sauce that he ...
When did Worcestershire sauce lose its trademark?
However, the advertising no longer purports to "make your hair grow beautiful.". The company lost the rights trademark the term Worcestershire sauce in 1876, so it can be used as a generic term for similar sauces.
Why are Worcestershire sauce bottles still wrapped in paper?
The bottles are still wrapped in paper as was done originally to protect them from breaking during sea voyages. Worcestershire sauce is known as the commercially bottle condiment to be imported to America, arriving in New York in 1839. The guarded recipe basically remains the same.
How long does it take to ferment Worcestershire sauce?
It takes 18 months to get the fermented sauce that graces the steaks of so many. Worcestershire sauce follows in the tradition of fermented fish sauce found in many cultures, such as garum in ancient Rome.
Is Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce distilled white vinegar?
The U.S. version of Le a & Perrins Worcestershire sauce differs from the British recipe. In place of malt vinegar, distilled white vinegar is used and there's literally three times more sugar and slightly more than three times as much sodium per one-third ounce. The U.S. version is also labeled with a smaller serving size, a teaspoon is one serving in contrast to the British/Canadian one tablespoon. There's no explanation for the change, but many imported goods are specialized for the U.S.
Overview
History
The area was first inhabited by members of the Nipmuc tribe. The native people called the region Quinsigamond and built a settlement on Pakachoag Hill in Auburn. In 1673 English settlers John Eliot and Daniel Gookin led an expedition to Quinsigamond to establish a new Christian Indian "praying town" and identify a new location for an English settlement. On July 13, 1674, Gookin obtained a de…
Geography
Worcester has a total area of 38.6 square miles (100 km ), 37.6 square miles (97 km ) of land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km ) (roughly 2.59%) of water. Worcester is bordered by the towns of Auburn, Grafton, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, Paxton, Shrewsbury, and West Boylston.
Worcester is known as the Heart of the Commonwealth, because of its proximi…
Demographics
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Worcester had a population of 206,518, of which 104,911 (50.8%) were female and 101,607 (49.2%) were male. In terms of age, 81.0% were over 18 years old and 13.6% were over 65 years old; children under 5 made up 5.2% of the city's population.
In terms of race and ethnicity, Worcester's population as of 2020 was 67.7% White (including Hispanics), 13.0% Black or African American, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 7.2% Asia…
Government
Worcester is governed by a council–manager government, with a popularly elected mayor. A city council acts as the legislative body, and the council-appointed manager handles the traditional day-to-day chief executive functions.
City councilors can run as either a representative of a city district or as an at-large candidate. The winning at-large candidate who receives the greatest nu…
Economy
By the mid-19th century Worcester was one of New England's largest manufacturing centers. The city's large industries specialized in machinery, wire production, and power looms. Although manufacturing has declined, the city still maintains large manufactures, like Norton Abrasives, which was bought by Saint-Gobain in 1990, Morgan Construction Company, since bought by Siemens and then bought by Japanese company PriMetals Technologies, and the David Clark C…
Education
Worcester Public Schools educate more than 25,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The system consists of 34 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 8 high schools, and several other learning centers such as magnet schools, alternative schools, and special education schools. The city's public school system also administers an adult education component called "Night Li…
Culture
Much of Worcester's culture is synonymous with broader New England culture. The city's name is notoriously mispronounced by people unfamiliar with the city. As with the city in England, the first syllable of "cester" (castra) is left entirely unvoiced. Combined with a traditionally non-rhotic Eastern New England English accent, the name can be transcribed as "WOOS-tuh" or "WISS-tuh" (the first syll…
Roman Worcester
Worcester in The Middle Ages
- However, the site was not abandoned for long. By the mid 7th century the Saxons had started a new settlement by a ford in the River Severn. The old Roman settlement gave its name to the new Saxon town. The Saxons called a Roman settlement a ceaster. They called this one Weogoran ceaster. Weorgoran means people of the winding river. In time the name changed to Worcester. …
Worcester 1500-1800
- In 1538 Henry VIII closed the friaries. His men also destroyed the shrines of St Wulfstan and St Oswald in the cathedral. Tudor House was built in the early 16th century. Kings School was founded in 1542. The Royal Grammar School was given a charter by Queen Elizabeth in 1561. Worcester was given a mayor in 1621. In the 16th century, the wool trade was still the lifeblood o…
Worcester in The 19th Century
- In 1801 the population of Worcester was 13,000. It rose rapidly. The population was almost 30,000 and it reached 46,000 by the end of the century. Meanwhile, the boundaries of Worcester were extended in 1837. During the 19th century conditions in Worcester improved. A prison was built in Salt Lane in 1813. In 1818 a dispensary opened where the poor could obtain free medicin…
Worcester in The 20th Century
- The population of Worcester was 46,000 in 1901. In the early 20th century it grew slowly and was still less than 49,000 in 1931. However, from the mid 20th century the population began to grow more rapidly and it reached 73,000 in 1971. In the 20th century conditions in Worcester continued to improve. Between 1904 and 1928 electric trams ran in the streets of Worcester. Cripplegate P…