The Worcestershire Beacon stands at 425 meters above sea level as the county's highest point. This volcanic range rises from the southern edge of Worcestershire and stretches into Herefordshire.
Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation began at least 700,000 years ago within this geographical area. Hand axes discovered during the 1970s in Hallow represent potentially the first Early Middle Palaeolithic artefact from the West Midlands.
Simon de Montfort died at the Battle of Evesham on the 4th of August 1265 which took place within Worcestershire. This battle occurred after a baronial force led by Robert Earl Ferrers and Henry de Montfort attacked Worcester's Jewish residents in 1263.
Kidderminster became famous for carpet production during the Industrial Revolution while Redditch developed a reputation for making needles springs and hooks throughout the nineteenth century. Modern industry replaced these traditional sectors with light manufacturing across the region.
Halesowen remained an exclave of neighbouring Shropshire until 1844 when it was reincorporated into Worcestershire. Local Government reorganisation in April 1966 saw Dudley expand beyond historical boundaries taking in Brierley Hill and parts of Coseley before the West Midlands Metropolitan county existed only briefly before abolition in April 1986.