It is not known when Shipston was first settled; probably before the Romans came, but it was sufficiently well developed in the eighth century for it to become a gift from a Saxon under-king, Uhtred, to the Bishop of Worcester.

The Town became known as ‘Sheep-wash-Town’ because the river was used for the washing of sheep in the early summer. The Domesday survey included ‘Scepweston’ and valued it at two hides with its mill worth ten shillings.

Shipston was already a trading post when the Prior obtained a Charter for an Annual Fair and a weekly market in 1268. By 1280 the bridge had been built and the plan of modern Shipston was settled.

Spinning and weaving were two of the min occupations of the Town, and at the end of the 17th century John Hart built up a large organisation employing home workers in the manufacture of woollen velvet (called ‘shag’). Hart became very wealthy and was appointed High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1738.

 The poverty after the Napoleonic Wars was devastating eventually leading to the building in 1835 of the ‘Workhouse’ later known as Shipston House. However, the Town’s shopkeepers were enjoying prosperity, with over ninety retail establishments covering every trade and profession, until the opening of the London to Birmingham railway in 1838 brought a very sudden end to this profitable era.

For a Town of it’s size the history of Shipston is extremely well documented. Manorial Rolls from the 13th century to copies of the Enclosure map of 1812 enable anyone interested to delve deeply in to its customs, people and buildings.