Tuesday 27 April 2010

ABC Wednesday - Old Rectifying House

When I saw this old tyre on the beach back in January I thought what a perfect letter of the alphabet to head a page for ABC Wednesday.

The Old Rectifying House in Worcester. Who could resist an intriguing building and name, despite the fact this is the farthest away I could get for a front-on photograph.

Whoever in past times was being rectified it sounded like an unusual punishment, but no souls were being rectified only spirits. Part of the rear of this building was used in the to rectify spirits from the main distillery across the other side of the river, which in the 18th Century was one of the most important distilleries in the Midlands. Williams' Gin was supposed to be unsurpassed in 18th Century England.

The inn was always in floods way and every year the beer casks had to be rescued and placed above flood level.  Provisions had to be supplied by boat and taken in by way of the upper windows. The balcony must have been very useful. The River Severn is tidal as far as Worcester but in the 19th Century the river was dredged and locks and a weir constructed to manage the tide.

These measures did stop the Old Rectifying House from its annual flooding although after the 2007 deluge, which was in the wettest June every recorded (some areas having a months rain in 24 hours) Worcestershire was especially hit and this meant that the building flooded once more.  Its a rather dull photograph of the weir although it was quite exciting in real life (I must get out more).

Almost as dull as a picture of a old tyre on a beach

which would probably look better on an old car like this.

Pop Over to the ABC Wednesday meme to see more words beginning with the letter O

13 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a great and interesting post for the O day!
Enjoyed reading about The Old Rectifying House! And the old tire? Perfect!! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Tumblewords: said...

Okay, I'm going to try this one more time - 3 times, I've missed the submit and hit the flag button which clears my comment.
wOw! What a terrific post! Love the rectifying house and the old tire makes a wonderful photo!

photowannabe said...

I love that old tire and the information about the house was fascinating. Great O post.

Jama said...

That's not an old car, that's a classic! lol
Love that picture of the Old Rectifying house.

Hildred said...

A great post and what an interesting building. I liked your picture of the weir, dull or not, and of the old tire on the beach. Lots of character there.

Roger Owen Green said...

very interesting history.

ROGER, ABC Wednesday team

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

That does beat all-an old rectifying house! Definitely an odd name in these days! It's always fun to stop by your blog to see what you've got!

jabblog said...

Another really interesting post. The Old Rectifying House looks well-preserved - most attractive.

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

Great history about the Old Rectifying House and tyre doesn't look all that dull to me.

Serline said...

Guess what? My favorite in the bunch is the second last, "Old Tyre on a Beach".

arabesque said...

it's like watching a classic brit film, the old house and the river are such strong shots.

Anonymous said...

Isn't that the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result? I must get really expensive to renovate that building after every flood! But it is a great O post.

Jay said...

Bravo! Excellent post!

The Old Rectifying House has survived a lot of wettings, hasn't it? They really made buildings to last in those days, didn't they? Even with the organic materials they used so much, it is still standing!