Alcester

Alcester (pronounced 'olster' or 'aulster') is a small town in Warwickshire, England, situated approximately eight miles west of Stratford-upon-Avon. The 2001 census recorded a population of 6,214 in the town. It is situated near the meeting point of the River Arrow and River Alne.

Alcester is known for two local stately homes, Coughton Court and Ragley Hall. It is also a significant town on the 100 miles North / South Heart of England Way long distance walk route.

The town has a history going back to Roman times. In Roman times Alcester (Aluana) was a walled town and fort of some importance, being located at a junction between the Ryknild Street Roman road and the ancient Salt way from Droitwich.

The town today includes a number of preserved Tudor houses. The clock on St Nicholas Church is in an unusual position on the south-west corner of the 14th century tower, making it visible from the main High Street. The church also houses the tomb of Fulke Greville, grandfather of Fulke Greville 1st Baron Brooke

Until the 1960's Alcester was served by trains on the Redditch and Evesham Railway, with a connection to Bearley and Stratford-upon-Avon, originally provided by the Alcester Railway company.