WORCES'TER, a city, capital, and assize-t. of the county of the same name, and a county of itself, stands almost in the center of the Severn valley, and is situated prin cipally on the eastern bank of the river, about 26 m. s.w. from Birmingham. 'Worcester is of great antiquity; there are abundant traces of ancient iron-smelting works on the banks of the river, adjudged by antiquaries to belong to the times of the Roman occu pation; and the frequent discovery of other remains proves that the city was a Roman station. The chief object of antiquity now existing is the cathedral, which is beauti fully placed on a gentle elevation on the e. bank of the river, and stands within its own precinct, but which, since the passing of the act abolishing the isolation of "peculiars"_ and " non-parochial places," has been incorporated in the city parish of St. Michael. A. cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, was founded here as early as the 7th c. In 1084 bishop Wnlstan laid the foundation of a new cathedral, many portions of which remain in the present structure, such as the crypt (one of the oldest and most interesting in England), the bases of, and fragments in, many of the walls, chapter-house, refectory, and cloisters. In the civil wars much damage was done to the building, but none of its leading features were destroyed. It is now distinguished by the simplicity, if not plain ness, of the exterior, but which is amply compensated by the fine perspective, the lofty roof, and generally charming effect of the interior. A thorough restoration was com menced in 1855 under the late sir G. G. Scott, and completed at a cost of about .€100,000. The tombs of king John and of Arthur, prince of Wales (eldest son of Henry VII.), are the chief ancient monuments in the building. The episcopal palace in the city has been transformed into the deanery; and the bishop of Worcester, since the ecclesiastical com missioners assumed the management of the episcopal and capitular estates, has his resi dence at Hartlebury castle. he bishop of Worcester's revenue has been fixed by the ecclesiastical commissioners at £5,000; and the livings in his gift are numerous and of considerable value. Worcester chapter consists of the dean, 4 canons, 24 honorary canons, and 4 minor canons, including the precentor. Besides 10 chorister boys, there
are 40 other boys ou the foundation at the college or cathedral school, who receive gratuitous education, and about 60 non-foundation boys. There is also a city grammar school, founded by queen Elizabeth, and largely attended. The parish churches of the city, 11 in number, are poor specimens of architecture. The city does not shine in lic buildings. Next to the cathedral, the most important are the shire-hall, the guild. hall, and the county prison; but there are also the city library, the 'Worcester museum, a corn-exchange, and music-hall: The battle of Worcester, fought in 1651, is memora• ble in history, and Charles II., to commemorate the fidelity of the citizens to his cause, granted the motto to the city arms: " Civitas in Bello et in pace fidelis." Pop. of the city, '71, 38.116. The people are employed in glove-making, including leather-dressing and staining; in porcelain factories, iron-works, including locomotive-engine factories; tanning and currying, horse-hair weaving, vinegar, British wine and sauce-making, and coach-building. Chemical manures and agricultural implements are also manufac tured on a considerable scale. Glove-making is still considered the staple manufacture of the city; but one large factory has absorbed a large portion of the business, and now there are not above two dozen of master-glovers, great and little, whereas 40 years ago there were nearly 100 in the trade. There are 2 porcelain factories, and the number of hands employed by them in all departments is about 500. The Royal porcelain works are celebrated for fine taste in designing and the beauty of execution of the highest class of productions; while the specialty of the other factory, Messrs. Grainger & Co.'s, utility, combined with purity of design and excellence in workmanship. The glazed semi-porcelain is also famous. Hops are grown in the neighborhood; there is a trade in malt, corn, and coals. There arc a daily and 4 weekly newspapers, one of the latter the oldest provincial paper in England (founded 1690). The city is on the Midland and Great Western railways. Worcester sends 2 members to parliament, and is governed by a corporation consisting of a mayor, 12 aldermen, and 36 councilors. It has also a recorder and sheriff.