In the late stages of the English Civil War the bridge at Upton was held by Royalist troops, but was crucial in opening a front to attack Worcester from the south. Parliamentary Major-General Lambert led a party of horse and dragoons to recapture the Bridge in a daring and brutal attack during which the Royalist General Edward Massie was badly wounded.

The following day the bridge was repaired. Major-General Fleetwood crossed to the west bank of the Severn with 11,000 troops, ready to head to Worcester and ensure the final victory of Cromwell’s troops. It is reputed that Cromwell rode to Upton to congratulate the troops and a blue plaque commemorating that visit is on a wall opposite the Heritage Centre.