Holmwood
The colourful history of our Holmwood Care Centre
Holmwood’s site has a history of providing care in Kidderminster that extends over 40 years. Today, our Holmwood Care Centre is dedicated to enriching the lives of all its residents whether they are receiving nursing, residential, dementia, respite, or palliative care. Our long-standing team forge close relationships with residents and offer first-class care, a stimulating social activity programme, and a range of facilities that allow residents to preserve their independence despite the level and type of care they require. It is set in an ideal, quiet location with well-maintained gardens for residents, staff, and visitors to enjoy.
Holmwood Care Centre was purpose-built as a nursing home to deliver specialised care to the residents of Kidderminster and Worcestershire. But, despite being a relatively new building (in historical terms), Holmwood is in a large town with a long and rich history. It boasts an idyllic, varied landscape and many Victorian buildings such as Kidderminster Town Hall – where speeches from eminent leaders such as a young Winston Churchill, Ernest Shackleton, and Emmeline Pankhurst have echoed off its walls.
Kidderminster’s history dates back several centuries. In fact, it can be traced back to medieval times when it was a small market town. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror.
During the Tudor and Stuart periods, Kidderminster’s population and importance grew steadily. The town’s economy was primarily based on agriculture and local trade. Its notable role during the English Civil War (1642-1651) as a Parliamentarian stronghold meant the town saw various military activities and skirmishes at that time.
Unbelievably, Kidderminster’s most significant historical legacy is its association with the carpet industry. The town’s carpet trade began to flourish back in the late 18th century and peaked during the 19th century. Loved for their high quality and intricate designs, Kidderminster carpets were exported worldwide!
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on Kidderminster, and the carpet industry’s growth was further fuelled during this period. The introduction of power looms and mechanised manufacturing techniques contributed to the town’s economic prosperity.
The early 19th century saw significant improvements in the living conditions of the working class when social reformer and politician Richard Baxter (1781-1860) was brought to power. Plus, the arrival of the famous Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in Kidderminster in the mid-19th century facilitated the transportation of goods and further boosted the carpet industry.
While the carpet industry declined in the 20th century, Kidderminster continued to evolve. Today, it is a diverse town with a mix of industries, retail centres, and cultural attractions.
These historical facts highlight the town’s growth from its medieval origins to its industrial prominence during the carpet industry’s heyday. Kidderminster’s past has left a lasting impact on its identity and character as a town in the West Midlands of England.
Holmwood Care Centre is not only proud of its long record as a quality care establishment, but also of the historical town it is a part of and the amazing residents it serves. We can provide care for the residents of our historic community with a variety of needs. Our specialist care services are suited for residential, dementia, and respite care. Our staff continually go the extra mile to make each resident feel at home and continue to live as independently as possible. We are flexible and can adapt to any needs you may have to ease the process of settling in.
If you or a loved one would like to book a visit to see firsthand how we can care and support your requirements, simply contact us at your convenience. We’ll take care of the rest.
