Broadway Worcestershire Family History Guide
Broadway is an Ancient Parish in the county of Worcestershire.
Parish registers begin: 1539
Nonconformists in Broadway include: Independent/Congregational, Roman Catholic, Society of Friends/Quaker, and Wesleyan Methodist.
Table of Contents
Adjacent Parishes
- Wickhamford
- Willersey Gloucestershire
- Buckland Gloucestershire
- Badsey
- Snowshill Gloucestershire
- Chipping Campden Gloucestershire
- Childs Wickham Gloucestershire
Parish History
The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales 1870
BROADWAY, a village, a parish, and a subdistrict, in Evesham district, Worcester. The village stands 3½ miles W of Camden r. station, and 5½ SE by S of Evesham; and has a head post office. The parish comprises 4,800 acres. Real property, £10,343. Pop., 1,566. Houses, 361. The property is much subdivided. The Broadway hills were the quarters of the royalists after the battle of Evesham; and command a fine view. Stone is quarried. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Worcester. Value, £240. Patrons, Trustees. The church was built in 1839; and there are chapels for Independents, Wesleyans, and Roman Catholics. A school has £74 from endowment; and other charities, £27. The subdistrict contains sixteen parishes; seven of them electorally in Gloucester. Acres, 28,570. Pop., 6,870. Houses, 1,511.
Source: The Imperial Gazetteer of England & Wales [Wilson, John M]. A. Fullarton & Co. N. d. c. [1870-72].
The Parliamentary Gazetteer of England and Wales 1851
Broadway, a parish in the upper division of the hund. of Pershore, union of Evesham, county of Worcester; 5½ miles south-east of Evesham. Living, a discharged vicarage in the archd. and dio. of Worcester; valued at £10 17s. 6d.; gross income £212. Patron, in 1835. ___ Bird, Esq. The foundation-stone of a new church was laid here, by Michael Russell, Esq., on 13th August, 1839. The great and small tithes of Broadway manor, the property of the lay-impropriator and vicar, were commuted in 1771. Here is an Independent chapel; the church was formed in 1797. The Roman Catholics have also a chapel here.
This parish possesses three daily schools, one of which is endowed with land bequeathed by the late Mr. Hodges, and three Sunday schools. Charities connected with the parish produce £27 per annum. There is a silk-mill here which, in 1838, employed 39 hands. Pop., in 1801, 1,117; in 1831, 1,517. Houses 320. Acres 4,800. A. P. £8,200. Poor rates, in 1837, £550.
Source: The Parliamentary Gazetteer of England and Wales; A Fullarton & Co. Glasgow; 1851.
Laird Description of Worcestershire 1814
Leaving Evesham, by the London road, pass through Wickhamford, a cheerful bustling village, after which we come to Broadway, a long and straggling, but very curious place, being built entirely of stone, which gives every house an air of the most pleasing antiquity. This place, properly speaking, is called Broadway Street, the church stands at some distance to the right, and one contained some painted glass, and some monuments of the Sheldons, but these are all in a shattered and dilapidated state.
The whole parish bears an air of antiquity, which, to those fond of looking back to ancient times, has a very curious and pleasing effect, particularly as this place, though seemingly unindebted to modern improvement, has yet an air of plenty and comfort, arising from its situation in a good corn district. Clarendon tells us, that after Charles’s retreat from Evesham, the army marched that night to Broadway, where they quartered; and very early the next morning, they mounted the hills near Campden, and then they had time to breathe, and to look with pleasure on the places they had passed though, having now left Waller, and the ill ways he must pass, far enough behind, for even in that season of the year (July), the ways in that vale were very deep.
From this ancient village ascending the Broadway hills, Springhill, a seat belonging to the Earl of Coventry appears upon the right, embosomed in woods; and is an elegant modern building, but unoccupied by the family, and at present advertised to be let. On these bleak and burden hills, most extensive plantations have been made of late years, which at present seem to thrive very well; and being judiciously planted in belts, they will tend much to shelter the lands and improve the temperature; but it is to be apprehended that they will never be very valuable as timber, as the oldest trees now standing on the hills seem much stunted and checked in their growth.
Farnham Abbey, a modern building, but in the Gothic style, erected by Sir John Coterel, Knt. lies on the left, on the brow of the hill, commanding a most delightful prospect to the westward, over Worcestershire. Though its situation was originally bleak and uncomfortable, being on the very summit of the hill, it is now well sheltered by plantations, which have been disposed in a most pleasing style, so as to render it at least an agreeable summer residence. It also forms a good object to the eye, its form being Castellated and well adapted to its site and surrounding scenery. Having been lately the occasional retreat of the late Walsh Porter, it bears evident marks of his taste for improvement. From this point of view, a modern Saxon tower erected in Springhill plantations has a good effect, and must be delightful as a summer evening retreat from the very extensive view it commands.
Further on, upon the road-side, is the Fish Public-house, a watering-place for travellers over this dreary range, and which is not only extremely useful but is also an ornament to the scenery, being built in imitation of the antique style. The view from this spot over the vale of Evesham cannot but produce sentiments of rapture in any breast not totally devoid of feeling; the richest verdure and cultivation are disposed at the feet of the spectator, whilst the distant hills fading into every retiring shade of purple seem to carry the sight almost into infinite space.
Source: A Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Worcester, by Mr. Laird. Printed for Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, Paternoster Row; and George Cowie and Co. successors to Vernor, Hood, and Sharp, 31, Poultry, London. Printed circa 1814.
Broadway Parish Registers
Marriages Out of Parish
| Details | Place of Marriage |
|---|---|
| William Smith, of Broadway, & Mary Muslin, 12 Oct. 1797 | Aston Somerville |
| Thos. Keyt, of Broadway, & Anne Parry, 3 Aug. 1704 | Aston Somerville |
Parish Records
FamilySearch
Worcestershire Historical Directories
Directory Transcriptions
Broadway Bennetts Business Directory 1899
Badger W, general ironmonger, High st
BAYLISS T, grocer and provision merchant, corn, flour and offal dealer, 1 and 2 Sheldon terrace
BILES A, baker, pastry cook and confectioner, High st. All cakes made to order
Biles W, baker and flour dealer, High st
Billey A W, grocer, High st
Broadway Gas Co, Ltd, Church st
Broadway Post Office, Broad st – L A Davis
Broaway [sic] Reading Room, High st. Open 10 to 10
Broom Inn, Broom – W Harknett
BUNN C, family butcher, Broad st. Corned beef and pickled tongues, the celebrated North Cotswold sausages
Burge W, saddler, Broad st
Burge W, seedsman, Broad st
CAPITAL & COUNTIES BANK, Ltd, High st – G New, agent; T Bayliss, manager
COACH & HORSES HOTEL, High st – W Roberts proprietor. Every accommodation for visitors, cyclists, &c. Waggonettes, traps, on hire. Wines, ales, stout and spirits of the best quality.
Collins W, tailor, Broad st
Crump H, carrier, High st
Dudfield H, family butcher, The Green
Folkes E G, printer and stationer, High st
Foss E L, family and dispensing chemist, High st
Free Reading Rooms, High st
Grimwood Mrs, laundress, Broad st
Hartwell T, photographer, High st
Holcroft C F, baker, High st
Ingles H, fruiterer, Broad st
Jaques Miss, dressmaker and milliner, High st
JACQUES J, JUNR., The Central Cycle Store, High st. Ladies’ and gent’s new and second hand machines for sale and hire
Jacques J, jun., Central Clothing Stores, High st, drapery. Boot and Shoe Stores, High st
Jacques J, junr., The Studio for Artistic Photography, High st
Johnston R, general drapery warehouse
Johnston T, hosier, draper and outfitter, The Drapery Stores
Jones A, baker, High st
Kemp J, machinist
Kemp J L, watch and clock maker, Broad st
Knight E, carrier, High st
LOXTON E ?, butcher, Broad st. Licensed dealer in gamer. Families waited upon for orders daily
Lyes R, tailor, High st
LYGON ARMS HOTEL – R Cordell, proprietor. See advt.
Melling M J, boot and shoe maker, Broad st
Midland Grocery Stores, High st
Morris J W, drapers, grocers, clothiers, and millers
Moseley M A and L, grocers and tea dealers, High st
New G, solicitor, Broad st
NEW INN – J Cotterill, proprietor. Good accommodation for cyclists and visitors
NORTH COTSWOLD MEWS, The Sands – S Drury, proprietor. See advt.
Payne J, baker, High st
Phillips P P, family butcher, High st
Powell G A, boot and shoe depot, High st
PRICE C, Pethuel Lodge, High st. Horses and carriages for hire; also apartments.
Radbone, grocer and provision merchant, Broad st
Richardson R, butcher, High st
Roberts W, R.S.S., shoeing and general smith, High st
Smith C, ironmonger, High st
Smith R, registrar births and deaths, Broad st. Attends first Tuesday in every month.
Smith W S, solicitor, Broad st
SWAN HOTEL – J Brick proprietor. Posting of every description – See advt.
Vizzard C, timber dlr, High st
WATERS MRS, tea, coffee and refreshments rooms, High st. Teas, &c. provided for visitors on most reasonable terms
WATERS MRS, general draper, &c., High st
White Mrs E, newsagent, Broad st
White M A, draper and hosier, Broad st
WORTON J, baker, grocer and confectioner, Broad st. teas and refreshments provided for visitors on the most reasonable terms
THE LYGON ARMS HOTEL,
BROADWAY
This Hotel has lately come under new proprietorship and management, and nothing has been left undone to meet the views of Tourists & Commercial Gentlemen with regard to comfort.
Apartments, en suite, for Families. Carriages kept for Hire
Good accommodation for Hunting Gentlemen.
R CORDELL, Proprietor.
NORTH COTSWOLD MEWS,
THE SANDS, BROADWAY.
HORSES & CARRIAGES FOR HIRE.
STUART DRURY – Proprietor
Orders by Post or otherwise will receive personal and prompt attention on most Reasonable Terms.
THE SWAN HOTEL
(First-class Family & Commercial)
BROADWAY.
J. BRICK Proprietor.
Good Accommodation for Visitors at moderate Charges.
Ales, Wines and Spirits of the Best Quality.
Posting of every description.
Source: Bennetts Business Directory (Worcestershire Section) 1899; Bennett & Co. Printers and Publishers, Birmingham.
Broadway Lewis Worcestershire Directory 1820
Broadway, 5 miles from Evesham, containing 249 houses, and 1117 inhabitants. It consists of one large street, the houses whereof are chiefly built of free-stone, and has a neat church. The hills at the end of the town are famous for their romantic prospects, on which are several gentlemen’s seats.
DIRECTORY.
Abday Wm., woolcomber
Ashwin Thomas, grocer
Ashwin William, vict.
Atkins Thomas, timber dealer
Averill Isaac, sen., farmer
Averill Isaac, jun.
Averill Stephen, solicitor
Averill Charles, surgeon
Averill Thomas, farmer
Ballinger James, carrier
Barnes John, farmer
Beard Mary, milliner
Bedford Rev. W. R.
Beesley James, joiner
Bloxham Jane, butcher
Bunn William, butcher
Careless R., schoolmaster
Careless Wm., farmer
Charlwood Isr., victualler
Clemson Joseph, mason
Coleman George, gent.
Coleman William, gent.
Collett R., blacksmith
Cooper Geo., shoemaker
Cottrell William, gent.
Crump Charles, farmer
Davis Richard, gent.
Davis John, gent.
Davis William, joiner
Davis Giles, wheelwright
Davis Mrs.
Dimmock George, saddler
Dobbins William, farmer
Faulkner T., horse dealer
Fisher Wm., shoemaker
Folkes Thomas, glazier
Frost Rebecca, draper
Frost Thomas, farmer
Goore Henry, victualler
Griffiths J. H., solicitor
Grinnell William, farmer
Grinnell Sarah, farmer
Grinnell John, miller
Grinnell widow
Hale Anthony, weaver
Halford Edward, farmer
Hall Joseph, farmer
Hassell Miss
Heeks J., timber dealer
Hiatt Mary, farmer
Hodges James, farmer
Hopkins James, farmer
Kite William, gent.
Lambley Sarah, farmer
Laugher William, baker
Lawrence Giles, vict.
Mann Thos., silk throwster
Martin Joseph, farmer
Marshall Wm., maltster
Meddows Henry
Meddows Fanny
Miles Stephen, hatter
Morris John, tailor
Osborne William, gent.
Petty Richard, hairdresser
Phillips Thomas, esq.
Phillips Mrs.
Phillips John, cooper
Poole John, farmer
Porter Miss
Postleweight Wm, gent.
Postleweight Mrs.
Rastall Thomas, weaver
Revers Thos. Flax dresser
Rodd Charles, farmer
Roper John, dealer
Russell Richard, gent.
Russell John, senior
Russell John, jun., farmer
Russell Michael, farmer
Russell W. C.
Savage Stephen, farmer
Savage John, farmer and pig dealer
Shuffery Thomas, grocer
Smith Thomas, surgeon
Smith W. F., surgeon
Smith Thomas, jun., gent
Smith Samuel, miller
Smith William, baker
Smith Ann, Maltster
Smith Joseph, baker
Smith Jane, schoolmistress
Smith Benjamin, dealer
Staite William, gent
Stanley Job, wheelwright
Stanley Ann
Stanley J., timber dealer
Stephens Wm., butcher
Stephens Giles, farmer
Stockford Thomas, baker
Stockford James, farmer
Stowe Thomas, butcher
Taylor William, gent
Taylor Cyprian, farmer
Townsend Richard, dyer
Varley George, victualler
Walker William, farmer
Watson B., schoolmaster
Wheatly Joseph, vict.
White Thomas, vict.
White Wm., sen., farmer
White wm., jun., carrier
White Francis, slater
White Stephen, maltster
Willan John, Esq.
Wylie James, gent.
Yeates George, Farmer
Source: S Lewis Worcestershire General and Commercial Directory for 1820.
Administration
- County: Worcestershire
- Civil Registration District: Evesham
- Probate Court: Court of the Bishop of Worcester (Episcopal Consistory)
- Diocese: Worcester
- Rural Deanery: Evesham
- Poor Law Union: Evesham
- Hundred: Pershore
- Province: Canterbury