Town growth

Redditch History Timeline

Timeline of Redditch History

In this ‘Flash’ presentation, the key events and dates in the history of the town from its origins.

Population Growth

Although Redditch began its existence in the 12th Century, the population remained at very low levels until needles came to the area in the 17th Century. By 1800, the population began to increase and during the 19th Century it increased nearly tenfold. As new industry arrived this rapid increase continued in the 20th Century and, towards the end of that century, the designation of Redditch as a ‘New Town’ continued this high rate of growth. Redditch growth has always derived from industrial development and, even today, the majority of the working population are employed within the town or the immediate locality.

Redditch Town Growth

Annotated maps showing the growth of the town

In this ‘Flash’ presentation, historic maps (mostly ordnance survey) .are used to show the physical growth of the town. The maps are dynamically annotated with key points in the town’s expansion.

The graphical representation to the right gives exponentially averaged population growth curves for Redditch and England & Wales. The two curves are scaled to allow a shape comparison, the Redditch figures being based on thousands and the National figures based on millions.