Where is Evesham?
The ancient market town of Evesham sits within a loop of the River Avon in Worcestershire. At the heart of the town once stood Evesham Abbey, now a ruin set within a park.
The History of Evesham Abbey and Bell Tower
Evesham Abbey was founded around 700 AD by St Egwin. It is described as being the third largest Abbey in England and one of only 25 religious houses in existence before the reign of King Alfred. It is possible that the abbey was built on an earlier religious site which in turn may have been positioned over an earlier Roman settlement.
The original abbey church collapsed and was rebuilt around 960. Further enlargement took place between 1054 and 1055 when the Benedictine abbey was reconsecrated and a shrine to Bishop Egwin was established.
During the dissolution of the monasteries Evesham Abbey was surrendered to the king, plundered and razed to the ground, although the bell tower built earlier that century was saved.
Why did Evesham Bell Tower Survive?
In 1554/5 during the reign of Queen Mary I the surviving great bell was given to the town along with Abbey Bell Tower. The gift of the Bell Tower to the town may have been part of Queen Mary’s attempt to restore Catholicism to England. There was probably little left of the abbey church itself.
The Legend of St Egwin
Egwin was made Bishop of Worcester in 693 AD. Egwin clashed with the local population over his strict views on Christian marriage. His stern discipline made him enemies who reported him to the Pope in Rome.
He journeyed to Rome to see the Pope face to face. Before he left Evesham he put shackles around his feet and threw the key into the River Avon vowing not to be released until he had the blessing of the Pope. When Egwin reached Rome he sent his servant to the market to buy fish for supper. When the fish was opened up, the key for the shackle was found inside its stomach.
The Pope gave his blessing and Egwin returned to Evesham where he founded Evesham Abbey, at the behest of Eof the swineherd after his vision of Mary.
The Churches of All Saints and St Lawrence
Both churches lie within the footprint of the Abbey precinct and share the same churchyard. Both have Medieval origins, being built by the Benedictine monks of Evesham Abbey in the 12th century and both have been heavily restored over the years.
In the 1970s it became increasingly clear that the upkeep of two medieval churches was too great a burden for two congregations. After a series of meetings and discussions the decision was made to keep only one church – All Saints.
The parish of St Lawrence was declared redundant on 8 December 1977. In the following year the church was given over to the Redundant Churches Fund (now Churches Conservation Trust) . On the 1st of January 1978 the parishes of All Saints and St Lawrence were united.
All Saints is noted for its gargoyles, organ and Perpendicular font.
St Lawrence was closed to visitors at the time of our visit.
The Almonry
The Almonry Museum is housed in a 14th century building that was formerly part of the Benedictine Evesham Abbey. The building was the home of the almoner, a monk whose role was to provide alms to the poor. Evesham Abbey was closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the Almonry became the personal home of the last Abbot. The Almonry has served as an ale house, offices, tea rooms and a private home. It was purchased by Evesham Borough Council in 1929 and opened as a heritage centre in 1957.
The Museum is set over two floors of the 14th century building. The displays and collections tell of the history of the Town of Evesham from the Prehistoric and Iron Ages through to the Medieval and into the Victorian period.
The Abbey Room dates from the 14th century and tells the story of the town of Evesham. The story of Evesham begins with the legend of Eof.
The Legend of Eof
“Eof was an 8th century swineherd employed by Egwin the Bishop of Worcester to work in the forest area on the banks of the river, known locally as “homme”. The legend tells us that while Eof was searching for some stray pigs he was confronted by a vision of the Virgin Mary. Partly in fear and partly in excitement he went to Worcester to tell Bishop Egwin what he had seen.
Egwin came to the same spot and after a period of prayer the vision appeared to him, but this time the Virgin spoke to the Bishop saying “This is the place I have chosen”. Egwin interpreted this message as an indication that the Virgin required a Church to be built on the spot. In her honour and he set about establishing a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, becoming the first Abbot. This resulted in the development of the town adopting the name of Eoveshomme (Evesham).”
The Almonry Undercroft
The Undercroft is the oldest known part of the Almonry building. From medieval times onward, this type of room was typically used for storage. During the 17th Century, Quakers were persecuted throughout Britain. In Evesham, it is said that during this period Quakers were imprisoned in the Undercroft at the Almonry.
The Archaeology Room tells the story of occupation and settlement in the Vale from the Neolithic period onward with displays relating to Prehistoric finds and Romano-British occupation. There is a collection of early 6th/7th century Anglo Saxon grave goods from Bennett’s Hill in Offenham. Three cabinets of curiosities contain household and everyday personal items from the 18th to the 20th Centuries.
The Simon de Montfort Room tells the story of the battle fought in Evesham in 1265 between the armies of Henry III, led by the future Edward I, and Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.
The Great Hall is the upper storey of the original Medieval Hall and the Almonry Garden houses stonework from the abbey.
Admission charges apply, no car park on-site but parking nearby.
Top Tip – We visited on Heritage Open Day and entry was free!
The Almonry is an old building and as such has uneven floors and low doorways. The upper floor of the building is only accessible by stairs. Contact the Almonry for more information about visiting by clicking here.
Walks
The town and park make for a lovely urban walk. There are plenty of Cafes and parking is located close to the town center.
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