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Tewkesbury
Summary
An historic market town at the confluence of the Severn and Avon rivers,
with a superb abbey church. Site of the final, decisive battle of the
Wars of the Roses.
The Town
The town of Tewkesbury wears its past well; despite its focus as a modern
shopping centre for the surrounding region, you are never far from reminders
of Tewkesbury's colourful heritage. I don't know if there's ever been
a comparison survey to find the town with the highest proportion of
half-timbered buildings in England, but if such a survey ever took place,
Tewkesbury would surely be in the running for honours!
Among these historic buildings is the Bell Inn, just outside the Abbey
grounds. The Bell is reputed to have surviving timbers from the 13th
century, and wall paintings in the dining area date from that period.
Almost as old is the Royal Hop Pole, which dates from the 14th century.
The Hop Pole was mentioned by Charles Dickens in "The Pickwick
Papers".
There are few actual "attractions" beyond the Abbey (which
is quite worth a visit on its own), however, Tewkesbury is a very enjoyable
place to stroll about, taking in the wonderful historic architecture,
and peering down the medieval alleyways that open at regular intervals
off the main streets. One of these alleyways leads to the Old Baptist
Chapel, a 17th century place of worship in a restored half timbered
building, furnished with period furniture. For views of the town, please
see our Tewkesbury
Photo Guide.
Tewkesbury Abbey
The crowning jewel of Tewkesbury is its superb abbey church, which is
every bit as impressive and worth a visit as many a more widely known
cathedral.
Tewkesbury
Abbey is quite unusual in one respect; you can actually get quite good
views of it. Many major churches in the UK are quite difficult to see
clearly as you approach. Often the surrounding buildings encroach on
the church site, and obscure the building itself.
Such is not the case at Tewkesbury Abbey. Green fields creep almost
to the Abbey itself, with the result that excellent views of the church
can be had. And that is no small thing, as the quite remarkable medieval
architecture can be more easily appreciated.
The Abbey was founded in 1102 by Robert FitzHamon, cousin of William
the Conqueror, and FitzHamon's remarkable chantry chapel can be seen
in the south aisle of the abbey church. Tewkesbury is blessed with an
extraordinary collection of exceptional chantry chapels, including those
of several members of the DeSpenser family, and the truly magnificent
Beauchamp Chapel, built by Isabella, Countess of Warwick, for herself
and her two husbands, both Earls (of Warwick and Worcester).
The vaulting of the nave is quite superb, as are the Norman drum pillars
between the nave and aisles. For an extensive look inside Tewkesbury
Abbey, please see our Abbey
Photo Tour.
The Battle of Tewkesbury
The green fields beside the Abbey of Tewkesbury are now empty, save
for playgrounds in one corner. Where children now play, the fields were
once wet with blood, and the air filled with the sounds of conflict;
this is Bloody Meadow, and on this peaceful spot in 1471 the armies
of Edward
IV met forces led by the Duke of Somerset on behalf of Queen Margaret.
The result was a decisive victory for Edward, and a terrible blow to
Lancastrian hopes. See our British Battles section for more about
the background and consequences of the Battle
Tewkesbury.
Location
map (centred on the Abbey)
Photos
of Tewkesbury >>
Tewkesbury
Abbey >>
Photos
of Tewkesbury Abbey >>
Related:
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Accommodation
| Gloucestershire |
Apple Tree Cottage
Blockley
Self catering cottage
Apple Tree Cottage offers downstairs cloakroom and toilet with wash basin, diner/kitchen. 1st floor sitting room second floor double bedroom with ensuite bathroom with bath … more >>
Sleeps 2
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| Gloucestershire |
Willow Farm Cottage
Buckland
Self catering cottage
This detached apartment offers 1 double bedroom, 1 bathroom with power shower over and open plan, with oak flooring and tasteful furnishings, lounge/diner and kitchen. … more >>
Sleeps 2
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| Tewkesbury (Hotel) |
Jessop House Hotel Tewkesbury
Jessop House Hotel is situated in the heart of Tewkesbury and a stones throw from Tewkesbury Abbey. The hotel is a Grade II Georgian townhouse retaining most of it's original features. Jessop House Hotel is privately run and offers a very high level of hospitality. Our guests enjoy … more >>
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| Tewkesbury (Hotel) |
Tudor House Hotel
Established by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1540, the hotel offers character in an ideal location for exploring this beautiful region. From the moment you enter the ancient Tudor House Hotel, you take a step back in time. A chimney in the Mayor's Parlour conceals a priest's hole, … more >>
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