Wichenford

Wichenford is a village and civil parish (with Kenswick) in the Malvern Hills District in the county of Worcestershire, England. It lies 7 miles (11km) to the north-west of the city of Worcester and has a population of c 400 for around 250 households. Primary education is provided in the nearby villages of and Hallow, and Martley which also has a secondary school.
History.
A church or chapel has existed at Wichenford from early times with mention of a chapel which was attached to the church of St. Helen, Worcester around 1234. Parts of the present church of St. Lawrence date from about 1320.
The manor of Wichenford belonged to the Washbourne or Washburn family, and there are two monuments with effigies and family heraldry in the church. It is said that the estate came into the Washbourne family from Margaret le Poher (d. 1454) who stabbed a French prisoner to death in Wichenford Court.
Wichenford Court, a partly moated manor house, has a timber-framed 17th-century dovecote, now in the care of the National Trust. 17th-century panelling from Wichenford Court was removed to decorate Kenswick Manor by the Britten family in 1895.
Following the Poor Law Amendment Act 1834 Wichenford Parish ceased to be responsible for maintaining the poor in its parish. This responsibility was transferred to Martley Poor Law Union.
No Shops.
Until the mid-1990s Wichenford had both a village shop with Post Office and a village bakery, both now closed down. The two shops were situated at opposite sides of the village green, in the centre of the village. Wichenford also has a pub, the Mason's Arms, which is situated on the road to Martley and is not near the village centre.
Open Gardens and Village Fete.
Every two years (the "odd" years) a number of the village's gardens are opened by their owners over a weekend in June. The 2017 event made in excess of £10,000. Proceeds go to local charities. In even numbered years, a Fete is held in mid-July at The Memorial Hall. This popular event raises very welcome funds which are distributed to local good causes.
Millennium Green.
In the year 2000 the Millennium Green was opened.
Village Hall.
Wichenford Memorial Hall stands opposite the church and is used by local societies and for a variety of functions. The hall has modern kitchen facilities and a "committee room" with a bar area.
There is a "War Memorial" plaque to those from the village that have lost their lives while serving their country.