Wychbold is a village in the Wychavon district of Worcestershire. The village is situated on the A38 between Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove, and by Junction 5 of the M5 motorway. The first records of Wychbold suggest that it was of great importance to the Anglo-Saxons, particularly in regards to its proximity to Droitwich Spa. The village is known primarily for the garden centre Webbs of Wychbold. Toponymy The name Wychbold is derived from the Old English wīc–bold, meaning "Dwelling near the trading settlement". It has been recorded as Uuicbold (692) and Wicelbold (1086, Domesday Book). The "wych" element ("near the trading settlement") is likely to refer to Droitwich. History Iron Age to Roman times Evidence has been found of human settlement in Wychbold from the Iron Age and Roman times. Various pits, ditches and postholes have been found in sites throughout the village, indicating the presence of roundhouses and a permanent Iron Age settlement. Archaeologists have also found various significant items from the Iron Age, such as broken vessels and a salt container from the Malvern Hills and Droitwich Spa. The presence of pottery from Malvern suggests that Wychbold had strong trade links outside of its immediate area, even in the Iron Age. Wychbold is located on an old Roman road and salt road, now the A38. Romans are believed to have settled in the Wychbold area between the 1st and 4th century, shown by the presence of Severn Valley and samian pottery. Middle Ages to Early modern period The earliest known record of Wychbold is in a charter of 692 (where it is known as Uuicbold), describing how Æthelred of Mercia "granted ten hides of land there to his thegn Oslaf". The charter is generally considered to be fabricated, but describes the village as being "distinguished", suggesting that the village belonged to royalty at the time. The next known record of Wychbold is in a charter issued by Coenwulf of Mercia in 815. In this, and a later charter issued by Wiglaf of Mercia in 831, Wychbold is referred to as a royal vill, suggesting its importance as a royal base or even residence. Documents point to the existence of the Anglo–Saxon estate within Wychbold, but its location is currently unknown. During the 11th century, possession of Wychbold passed from Earl Godwine to Osbern fitzRichard, who held it at the time of the Domesday Book. There were 11 hides