Worcester

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Many thanks to Cafe Severn on Grandstand Road and Worcester City Council for facilitating this camera's location and to The Canal & River Trust for capitally funding its installation. Worcester boasts a magnificent and historically significant bridge that spans the River Severn. The presence of a bridge crossing the River Severn in Worcester can be traced back to medieval times. During the 14th century, it served as the sole crossing point in the southern midlands region. The nearest bridge to the north was located in Bridgnorth, approximately 25 miles away, while to the south, the closest bridge could be found in Gloucester, approximately 24 miles away.
The current iteration of the bridge was originally designed by John Gwynn, an esteemed architect from Shrewsbury, and was first completed in 1781. However, as the 20th century commenced, it became evident that the bridge and its extensions were inadequate to handle the growing volume of traffic. Consequently, on April 24, 1931, a comprehensive reconstruction and widening project commenced under the supervision of Messrs. L G Mouchel & Partners Ltd. This endeavor reached completion on October 28, 1932. The newly reconstructed bridge was officially inaugurated by HRH Edward, Prince of Wales, who also marked the opening of the renovated Cripplegate Park situated nearby. Notably, this bridge stands as the sole road crossing within the city center.Due to the River Severn's susceptibility to flooding, the bridge is occasionally closed to traffic when the river reaches its maximum water level. To monitor water levels and river conditions in real-time, a strategically positioned Farson streaming webcam provides continuous surveillance.Worcester is located approximately 17 miles southwest of the southern suburbs of Birmingham and 23 miles north of Gloucester. With an estimated population of around 100,000 people, the city is intersected by the River Severn, with the 12th-century Worcester Cathedral majestically overlooking its course. Worcester holds historical significance as the site of the final battle of the Civil War, where Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army emerged victorious over King Charles II's Cavaliers, solidifying the English Interregnum—a period of eleven years during which England and Wales functioned as a republic. Notably, Worcester was the residence of Royal Worcester Porcelain and served as the lifelong home of the renowned composer Sir Edward Elgar. Moreover, the city is home to the Lea & Perrins factory, where the traditional Worcestershire Sauce is produced. Additionally, Worcester is proud to host one of the United Kingdom's rapidly growing universities, the University of Worcester.