Derives its name from the great basins constructed by Brindley upon the
canal, and also from the river Stour, which here enters the Severn. The
advantages of position led to the erection of large manufacturing
establishments on the spot. Steam has been brought to aid the Stour,
whose waters are pounded back to create a capital of force to turn great
wheels that spin, and weave, and grind; whilst iron works, vinegar works,
and tan works, upon a large scale, have also sprung into existence. On
the opposite bank of the Severn, about three-quarters of a mile from
Stourport, is Arley Kings, or Lower Arley; and about a mile lower down
the river is Redstone Cliff, in which is the famous hermitage of Layamon,
a monkish historian of the 13th century, who is said to have composed a
"Chronicle of Britain," embracing that mythical period extending from
Brute to Cadwallader.
On leaving Stourport, the traveller passes Burlish Common, and plunging
into a deep cutting, terminated by a dark tunnel, emerges in sight of the
little town of