Tewkesbury Abbey
Benedictine Abbey of Tewkesbury
Tewksbury Abbey consecrated in 1121 and known as the church of the Benedictine Abbey of Tewksbury. Miraculously this superb building survived the dissolution as the townsfolk paid henry to keep it, they paid him for the price of the lead and the bells £453 (it makes Henry VIII sound like some scrap metal dealer) obviously metal was just as valuable in those days.
However luckily for Tewkesbury and the nation this beautiful building was saved thanks to the townspeople. Although a parish church one of the largest in the country, the abbey is like a cathedral in size.
The present abbey has stood for nearly 900 years and there has been a church on the site for over 1200 years. The interior is stunning the roof detail is beautiful as is the stained glass; there are tombs and chapels to see as well as the famous Milton Organ reputedly played by the poet this is still in daily use.
To visit the abbey you can park at the back and enter the grounds through the side gate and walk through the garden. After you have seen the Abbey visit the teashop where you can have a hot snack or meal and drinks at reasonable prices.