History Walks around Redditch
The community of Redditch dates from the 12th
Century and the triangular town green (see the
‘Monk Map’ far right) was the original centre and still
exists today.
The attractive Church Green, with its 19th century
Stephen’s Church along with the historic fountain
and bandstand, has been carefully preserved.
Beyond the town centre the Arrow Valley , which has
had a major influence on the history of the town,
has been developed into a major park and includes
the historic
National Needle Museum and the visitor centre for
the Bordesley Abbey ruins.
There is much to see and do in a town, both old and
new, and this walks website gives some ideas of the
options which are available for both visitors and
residents alike.
Walking for Health
Walking is simple, free, and one of the easiest
ways to get more active, lose weight and become
healthier.
Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise,
walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn
excess calories and make your heart healthier.
You don't have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-
minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and
counts towards your recommended 150 minutes
of weekly exercise..
Add variety to your walks. You don't have to travel
to the countryside to find a rewarding walk. Towns
and cities offer interesting walks, including parks,
heritage trails, canal towpaths, riverside paths,
commons, woodlands, heaths and nature
reserves.
The ‘Monk Map’ of 1776
The map below is an illustration , by a major
local artist Norman Neesom, of the account of
the town of Redditch, in the year 1776 ,by
Joseph Monk, a Primitive Methodist preacher
who lived for a considerable time in the 'Round
House'. It is the earliest description of the
town.