The town of Malvern grew around a medieval Benedictine monastery at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Great Malvern priory church and the Abbey Gateway are two striking sites of the monastery that can be seen today, the church containing some of the most extensive collections of medieval stained glass, carvings and tiles in the country. During the seventeenth century Malvern began to attract visitors as a spa town, advertising the health-giving properties of its waters, which it bottled and shipped throughout the land. Visitors came for hydrotherapy and also to enjoy the natural beauty of its surroundings. In more recent times, the town became known for scientific research, including for the defence industry. Today the area’s heritage is reflected in the ancient hill forts, ecclesiastical structures, Victorian buildings and recent Science Park, as well as a host of famous names associated with the area, not least Edward Elgar.

Malvern in 50 Buildings explores the history of this town in Worcestershire through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. The book will appeal to all those who live in Malvern or who have an interest in the area.