Upton-upon-Severn is a small town and civil parish in the Malvern Hills District of Worcestershire, England. The 2011 census recorded a population of 2,881, making it the smallest town in the county. Upton is situated on the west bank of the River Severn and is located southeast of Malvern. The town has a distinctive tower and copper-clad cupola – known locally as the "Pepperpot" – the only surviving remnant of the former church. Its replacement, also dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield.
The population of the civil parish in 2011 was recorded at 2,881 – an increase from 2,859 recorded in 2001. The parish extends westward from the town, including the settlement at Tunnel Hill, but does not include the village of Ryall located close to the town, on the other side of the river. Upton is in the West Worcestershire parliamentary constituency. Upton lies on the banks of the River Severn and is known for its regular flooding. Low-lying areas of Upton suffered serious flooding in 2000. In the 2007 floods, levels exceeded those in 2000, and the town was inaccessible by road. The town's main built up area lies on slightly higher ground than the surrounding countryside, and becomes an island during severe floods. The town has three major music festivals, with the spring folk festival, and the summer jazz and blues festivals. Upton is the home of The White Lion Hotel, a 16th-century coaching inn, where parts of the building date back to 1510. The building has undergone many transformations over the centuries and is easily found on the high street due to its distinctive portico, adorned with its very own lion. Reputed to have played a part in the English Civil War, where soldiers from both sides are alleged to have enjoyed the hospitality of this popular local hostelry prior to the Battle of Worcester. Guests of the hotel can stay in rooms referred to in books VII and VIII of Henry Fielding's classic 1749 novel Tom Jones in which he refers to the hotel as "A house of exceeding good repute"; these rooms retain many of their original features. Upton on Severn Sports Field is the home of Upton on Severn Rugby Club, as well as being used for Welland Junior Swifts matches and other community functions. Upton Town F.C. will play in the Midland Football League from August 2019.
Education
Primary education is provided by Upton-upon-Severn CofE Primary School with approximately 160 pupils on role. Hanley Castle High School, located in a nearby village, provides secondary education for the region.
Admiral Sir William Tennant, KCB, CBE, MVO, DL, born in Upton. A bust of him is located in the town centre, in the grounds of The Pepperpot. William Tennant served in the Royal Navy in both World Wars and was the British Commander on the beaches at Dunkirk, during the evacuation of 300,000 British and French troops, fleeing the German advance in 1940.
