Malvern, Historic spa town in Worcestershire, England
Malvern is a town in Worcestershire, England, that spreads along the eastern slopes of the Malvern Hills and combines Victorian buildings, medieval structures, and natural springs. The settlement consists of several neighborhoods including Great Malvern with its priory church, Barnards Green with shops, and Malvern Link with a railway station.
Benedictine monks founded a priory at the base of the hills in the 11th century, attracting pilgrims who sought the healing spring water. The town grew into a spa resort in the 19th century when doctors began prescribing water cures and railway lines brought visitors from industrial cities.
Malvern water flows from over 70 springs that emerge directly from the granite hills, and many residents still fill bottles at public spouts around town. The local dialect blends Worcestershire expressions with influences from the Welsh Marches, heard in place names and everyday speech.
The town is best explored on foot, as the main streets of Great Malvern climb steeply and many footpaths lead directly into the hills. A visit requires comfortable shoes and willingness to handle gradients, especially when reaching springs or viewpoints.
The Telecommunications Research Establishment, now QinetiQ, relocated here in 1942 and developed radar technology used during the Second World War. The company still employs hundreds of people and shapes the town's economic life with its presence in the northern outskirts.
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