tewkesbury town guide
DESCRIPTION
The guide is produced by Tewkesbury Town Council. It is intended to provide a brief introduction to the myriad of attractions Tewkesbury has to offer. We hope that our visitors will enjoy their sojourn in our town and will come again and perhaps remember to tell everyone what a lovely place it is.TRANSCRIPT
TEWKESBURYTown Guide
Gateway to the Severn and CotswoldsPrice: £1 where sold.
Tewkesbury - Town Centre Map
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ContentsWelcome to Tewkesbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Tewkesbury’s Rivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Tewkesbury Abbey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Knights, Flags, Blood and Gore: the Story of a Battle Remembered . . . . . . . . 8-9
Tewkesbury a Heritage Magnet . . . . . . . . . 12-14
The Mop Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Exploring Tewkesbury Ancient Streets and Alleyways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-24
Tewkesbury a Cultural Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
The Roses Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
The Tewkesbury Shopping Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33
Tewkesbury a Centre of Education . . . . . 34-35
Business in Tewkesbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Tewkesbury the Gateway to the Severn, and Cotswolds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39
Useful Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41
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IND MEDIAThe publishers cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies within the text. Other photographic content © INDmedia Limited 2011
Tewkesbury Abbey and Swilgate River
Welcome to Tewkesbury
The guide is produced by Tewkesbury Town Council . It is intended to provide a
brief introduction to the myriad of attractions Tewkesbury has to offer . We hope that our visitors will enjoy their sojourn in our town and will come again and perhaps remember to tell everyone what a lovely place it is .
The Town Council has been of parish status since the reorganisation of local government in 1974 . However, this council is the successor of an ancient and illustrious body founded by Royal Charter in 1574 . Tewkesbury was then sufficiently
important to provide two MPs to sit in Parliament . Incidentally, in the second Royal Charter of 1696 the town was provided with two bailiffs or Mayors . Since 1974, the larger district council of which Tewkesbury is the centre is still called Tewkesbury Borough Council, both this body and the Town have Mayors . In a sense history has come full circle!
Tewkesbury is one of England’s great largely undiscovered treasures . Alex Clifton-Taylor described it as a ‘Gem Town’ . Yet to many their only knowledge of this remarkable place is a directional arrow on the M5 motorway and the distant view of a large Norman church tower . The intention of this modest booklet is to introduce visitors and remind
The Town Hall
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residents of the many faceted attractions of this splendid market town .
Tewkesbury may have been settled as early as Roman times . The site that was chosen was right next to the junction of two rivers, the Avon and the Severn . Tewkesbury is a typical river town; yet what defines it as pre-eminently distinctive is the medieval centre and particularly the Abbey church . Tewkesbury survives as a unique deposit of medieval and especially monastic history .
Tewkesbury has occasionally intruded into the national scene . This happened most notably on May 4th 1471 when one of the bloodiest and most significant English battles was fought on the edge of the old town .
The town bustled with markets, commerce and coaches in the
eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries . The townscape offers an insight into this world of Georgian and early Victorian architectural and civic pride . Medieval and early modern buildings nestle side by side in a delightful harmony of continuity and tradition . The town has a few lumpish additions from the unlovely 1960s, but this has done little to spoil the general sense
of the picturesque integrity of this singular and very special place .
Contemporary Tewkesbury embraces the new world of rapid transport links and cutting edge technology . Leading technological enterprises sits cheek by jowl with more traditional industry in its attractive and conveniently situated industrial parks . This new prosperity and growth has helped ensure that the town centre remains a mecca of retail excellence with an extraordinarily comprehensive offer of the everyday and unusual . Tewkesbury more than ever is just the place to visit and for its residents a lovely place to live .
Further information about the Town Council can be obtained by visiting the Town Hall on any weekday, or by telephoning 01684 294639, or by visiting the Council website at www .tewkesburytowncouncil .co .uk
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Tewkesbury from the Ham
Tewkesbury’s Rivers
T he rivers created this town . They represent one of Tewkesbury’s greatest assets .
The Severn and Avon together with their significant tributaries the Carrant Brook and the Swilgate mean that rivers truly bestride the Tewkesbury townscape . They delineate the town’s shape; the narrow Y which ensured that the old medieval town survived in its uniquely ‘higgledy-piggledy’ mix of tall houses and narrow alleyways . Tewkesbury was and is an important bridging point on the Avon and also provided a ferry over the Severn (until Telford built his bridge at the Mythe in 1825) .
The Mill Avon, really a leat, was excavated possibly as early as Saxon times, or more likely by the Abbey monks to provide ease of navigation, and or water-power for the earliest mill . This building, since rebuilt, and now converted into flats, was
part of the Abbey precinct and later mentioned in the novel John Halifax Gentleman as Abel Fletcher’s Mill .
Once the Severn Trow, a shallow draft river barge, would have plied their trade . Their distinctive sails and the shouts of the gangs of men needed to pull them over the rock bars of the river would have been a familiar sight and sound . Latterly when the Upper Lode lock was built in 1858 and the Severn was canalised right up to Stourport, much larger vessels would have steamed on up the Severn . The last of these did not disappear until the closing years of the operation of the industrial scale Healings Mill, which was finally closed in 2006 . The Avon, made navigable in 1636, would have offered an important trading link with Stratford and the rivers and canals beyond . Tewkesbury was an important boat-building centre until
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after the Second World War . There are now no mills, the boat-yards are bijou residences and the river trade has mostly gone . The rivers have become the haunt of the pleasure boat . Brightly painted narrow boats, luxury ‘gin palaces’, rowing boats, sailing boats and the ubiquitous ferry dominant the waterways . Boating people find that Tewkesbury is a good place to moor up . A place to explore, to view the capacious and much awarded flower displays, to shop and then sample a wonderful mix of pubs and restaurants .
Visitors and residents are blessed with the water-meadows that surround much of the town . Tewkesbury is a fisherman’s and dog-walker’s paradise . Acres and acres of common land is available for recreation . In the winter these water-meadows are flooded,
thus performing a vital role of keeping flood waters out of town . Occasionally this does not work as we all witnessed in 2007!
The Severn-Ham is the largest such water-meadow on the entire river . The digging of the Mill Avon isolated this large meadow as an island entirely separated from the town . It is notable as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so designated for its abundance of rare plant life such as the Greater Dodder and as a breeding ground of the Redshank and Corn Bunting . The rights of the Commons, those who occupy certain houses in the town, are protected by an ancient Act of Parliament . This has helped ensure that the Ham continues to be traditionally managed as a hay meadow completely accessible to both visitors and townsfolk alike .
Abel Fletcher’s MillHealing’s Mill
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Tewkesbury Abbey
The magnificent edifice that is Tewkesbury Abbey, with it’s majestic Norman tower (the
largest in Europe) is unmissable, in every sense of the word . It is one of England’s architectural treasures and throughout its history has often played a seminal role in national affairs . It continues to remain an important place of worship beyond the confines of the town, as well as being truly beloved by every Tewkesburian . Without its abbey Tewkesbury would have been a very modest settlement, if it had survived at all!
The Abbey was founded under the auspices of Robert Fitzhamon who, c1087, was given “the Patronage of Gloucester” by King William II . The Patronage remained with his descendants, often through the
female line, until Tudor times . Their names are a roll call of the rich and powerful of the English medieval era . Through their political prominence the Abbey was affected by many of the national events of the times . In 1471 Edward IV won the Battle of Tewkesbury nearby and the Abbey is reported to have given shelter to fleeing soldiers and its “sanctuary” broken . The tombs and chantries of the former Patrons have left breathtakingly beautiful memorials of their devotion to the church .
The Abbey was a Bendictine foundation which, until it was dissolved on the orders of Henry VIII in January 154O, dominated the town by developing and controlling its economy through the provision of education, employment, health care and, of course spiritual welfare . Although most of the abbatial buildings were lost at the Reformation the Abbey Church itself was saved by the townsfolk as their “Parish
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Church”, for the then enormous sum of £453 .
Much of the church remains unchanged from the early 12th century; its great Norman tower, magnificent west front and, of course, its glorious nave pillars . However, a 14th century patron, Eleanor Despenser, was responsible for some changes and additions; the remodelling (in the then contemporary “decorated” style) of the East end; the gorgeous nave vault with its wonderful medieval bosses; the chevet of chapels behind the high altar and the installation of windows in the nave plus the stained glass above the altar which is, quite simply, incomparable . The church has also some particularly fine Victorian stained glass and a beautiful modern window by Tom Denny .
The Abbey is at the heart of a very lively Anglican community with daily services and at least four every Sunday . Music also lies at its core .
There are three organs; the 16th century ‘Milton’ organ, named for the poet who is known to have played it in the 17th century, the 19th century Grove organ and an additional 19th century somewhat smaller organ . Concerts are held when all three are played! Unusually for what is, in spite of its size, still a parish church, it boasts two fine choirs; a large mixed choir and the internationally renowned boys choir, The Schola Cantorum . As well as very regular concert by visiting musicians (who love the Abbey’s stunning acoustic) Musica Deo Sacra, a great festival of ‘music within the liturgy’ takes place annually in the last week of July . Tewkesbury Abbey has become place of pilgrimage for all who love and treasure the glorious tradition of English Church Music .
More information may be obtained from literature available in the Abbey shop or from the website: www .tewkesburyabbey .org .uk
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If you visit Tewkesbury in the summer-time you will be amazed to see the town festooned with
flags of every colour and design . There are more than 100 of them! The town has a positively festival feel . If you decide to linger during the second weekend in July, you might imagine that you have arrived in the wrong century! Clanking along the streets will be seen numerous knights and men-at-arms, young squires and glamorous ladies . There will be the noise of trumpets and drums and the exited talk of conflict to come . What you will be witnessing is the world’s largest medieval festival, where literally thousands congregate from every corner of the globe . They come just to soak up this extraordinary atmosphere, which is uniquely Tewkesbury .
They come, and have come for many decades, to re-enact one of the most memorable events in the history of medieval England . This weekend will involve the re-enactment of the battle of Tewkesbury and the arrival in the town of the Yorkist King Edward IV on May 4th 1471 .
The battle was one of the most significant events in the late medieval civil war known as the ‘Wars of the
Roses’ . It concluded the last attempt by the house of Lancaster to overthrow the Yorkist hegemony . It failed, and thus paved the way for the ultimate Tudor victory and all that has flowed from that .
The Lancastrian host was led by the feisty queen Margaret of Anjou, wife of the ineffective and half-demented Henry VI . For years many battles had been fought to decide who would eventually wear the crown . In the year or so prior to this battle, the issue was entirely undecided . After an apparent Yorkist victory in the early 1460s, Edward IV had been forced into exile and Henry of Lancaster had been restored . Yet Edward had returned and had defeated and killed his erstwhile friend, and now enemy, Richard Neville the Earl of Warwick, at Barnet a few weeks before .
Thus at Tewkesbury, there was everything to play for and for the loser the promise of total disaster . Margaret and the Lancastrians best hope was to link up with allies in
Knights, Flags, Blood and Gore: the Story of a Battle Remembered
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Wales by crossing the river Severn . Edward had to stop this and needed to destroy this army before it became too formidable to challenge . Margaret had landed in Dorset and had raced north to find the essential river crossing into friendly territory . Edward had forced marched his weary allies, in the desperate attempt to stop her .
It all came to a head in Tewkesbury . Margaret had failed to secure the bridge at Gloucester and was now hoping to procure the ford here . She almost made it, but her exhausted army was forced to stand and fight in the fields south of the town . With her on this perilous venture were most of the surviving Lancastrian nobles, and most importantly the last sprig of the House of Lancaster, her seventeen year old son Edward . Edward IV was the better general and was quickly able to break the Lancastrian right wing with the clever ploy of using mounted spearmen to attack his enemies flank . These men where initially hidden within the grounds of Tewkesbury Park, (now a golf course) . Matters were not helped, from the Lancastrian point of view, when, according to legend, their senior noble the Duke of Somerset brained to death his comrade Lord Wenlock in the desperate climax of the fight .
The Lancastrians fled, many, including probably the young Prince Edward, being cut down in their last frantic retreat . A place of particularly
bloody horror is still remembered as ‘the Bloody Meadow’, and can be visited . Many sought sanctuary with the Abbey . Eventually their leaders, including Somerset, were summarily beheaded after a sham trial at the site of the town cross . Margaret herself was captured at Little Malvern Priory . A few days later her enfeebled royal husband was murdered in the tower . Thus ended the aspirations of Lancaster and the success of York, albeit short-lived, before the final triumph of the Tudors at Bosworth fourteen years later .
Not only does Tewkesbury annually commemorate these events in the Medieval Festival . On every May 4th there is a special communion service in the Abbey . A walk around the town will confirm that in street and house names this event is by no means forgotten . A visit to the Town Museum to view the battle diorama is essential for an enhanced appreciation .
Images: thanks to Steve Goodchild, founding Chairman of Tewkesbury Battlefield Society: for further information see www.tewkesbury.org.uk/battlefield
Knights, Flags, Blood and Gore: the Story of a Battle Remembered
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Discover Tewkesbury AbbeyIt’s about time… and eternity!Come and visit Tewkesbury Abbey, a place of peace and beauty.Consecrated in 1121, this church of the Benedictine Abbey survived the dissolution of 1540 thanks to the generosity of the townspeople, who bought the Abbey from King Henry VIII for £453.
We have a rich architectural and artistic heritage, including medieval stained glass, stunning roof bosses, exquisite tombs and chantry chapels.
The Abbey shop is open for you to buy souvenirs and gifts. The Touching Souls Tea Room opens on Sunday to Wednesday and serves homemade soup, homemade cake and hot and cold drinks.
The Abbey Office:t: 01684 850959e: [email protected] w: www.tewkesburyabbey.org.uk
Our Normal Sunday Services Are:8.00am – Holy Communion9.15am – Parish Eucharist11.00am – Sung Eucharist5.00pm – Choral Evensong
We Are Open Monday to Saturday7.30am – 6.00pm in the Summer7.30am – 5.30pm in the Winter
Sunday 7.30am – 6.00pm all year
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When you walk up the High Street on most Saturday mornings, or
on any special occasion you might well encounter an elegantly dressed gentlemen sporting a red top coat, tricorn hat, knee breeches and a colourfully patterned waistcoat . He may be declaiming some important piece of local news, preceded always with the ringing of his large hand-bell and ending with the shouted phrase ‘God Save the Queen’ . He is of course our Town Crier . His job is now a purely ceremonial one, but once he would have been our time-keeper, newspaper and government information office all rolled into one .
So impressively does he do his job that this has been recognised in many national awards . He personifies Tewkesbury’s respect for its many traditions . When we look at him, we are in a sense recalling just how important a town this was and still is, and how this past is to be found in its very stones .
If the extraordinary history of the Abbey and our very own battle were not enough, there is plenty of other heritage to view and experience . When Henry VIII dissolved the monastery in 1540 there was still left one of the most important towns in Gloucestershire . Tewkesbury remained a hugely significant industrial and commercial centre for many centuries . It also suffered a long period of decline . However, that decline is one of the main reasons that it has retained so much of its ancient buildings and traditions . In the last fifty years the town’s fortunes have revived and the population together with its linked parishes has doubled and will grow much more in the future . Yet in these gentler and more heritage conscious times change is usually managed with a real respect for the past . There have been some deviation from this principle, as any visitor can see in the brutish remains of the 1960s in both the High Street and Barton Street . The vast majority of our medieval, Georgian and Victorian treasures remain and many have been loving restored .
Tewkesbury a Heritage Magnet
— 12 —
A good start to any excursion into the town will be a visit to our two museums and the heritage centre . Our Town museum is located in Barton Street in one of the most attractive buildings in the town . This was once a rich merchant’s house . The medieval core was developed in the 17th century into one of the sumptuous and impressive edifices in Tewkesbury . The second floor with its large windows, panelled rooms and exceptional plaster decoration is a must see for any discerning visitor . The museum has a wonderful eclectic offering which includes artefacts that illustrate the whole range of Tewkesbury history right from the earliest stone age settlement . The battle diorama helps us to really understand the
complexities of the 1471 confrontation . There are many medieval articles, some from the Holm Hill site, where the Borough offices exist today . There are many treasures elucidating the industrial, civic and educational history of the town . Perhaps one of the most remarkable exhibits is the Salt Collection of working fairground rides . These models illustrate the work of Tewkesbury’s Thomas Walker an important manufacturer of fairground equipment . In 2006 the Duke of Edinburgh visited an exhibition honouring one of Tewkesbury’s most remarkable sons Sir Raymond Priestley who served with both Scott and Shackleton in the Antarctic . The museum possesses some unique and precious memorabilia from these expeditions .
Town Museum
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The John Moore Countryside Museum located within a row of restored 15th cottages possesses a fine collection of specimens of the mammals and birds native to our countryside, woodlands and wetlands . This is dedicated to the local naturalist and author John Moore whose book ‘Portrait of Elmbury’ is a wonderful evocation of the pre-war town . A few doors away is The Merchant’s House, a two storey building which has been beautifully restored and furnished to show the construction of a 15th century shop and dwelling .
Tewkesbury Borough Council was able to restore the old hat shop in Church Street . It is now a stunningly beautiful example of one of the town’s best timber framed buildings and houses a fascinating interpretation centre which will allow visitors to explore this delightful market town’s long and fascinating history using hand held visual and audio guides .
After such a beginning, the wonderful streets and alleyways of the old town will merit further investigation . It is here that the true uniqueness of this place will be revealed .
For further information contact: Tourist Information Centre - Tel: 01684 855040
Bell Hotel
Black Bear
Church Street
— 14 —
Church Street
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Many towns have fairs, but the one held annually in Tewkesbury in October is
something special . Just as summer ends and the chilly evenings start, the town becomes a magical realm of amusement booths, intoxicating rides, roundabouts, big wheels and lots of stalls selling every kind of delectable snack from candy-floss to burgers, pork-rolls to sticks of rock . For two days and nights the town hums with a brouhaha of excited children animated adults and those grown-ups who rather wish they weren’t!
The Mop Fair has very ancient origins . There may have been one in Tewkesbury as early as Saxon times . We know that there was a fair in the time of Robert Fitzhamon in the 11th century . The present fair was granted by a Charter of James I in 1609 and was originally intended to be held at Michaelmas at the end of September .
Now it arrives in October because the calendar changed in 1752 from the Julian to the Gregorian . It is called a ‘Mop Fair’ because the initial purpose was predominantly to hire labour . The mop was the symbol of domestic service . Originally too it was held around the Cross, now it is centred in Barton Street, Oldbury Road, East Street and Spring Gardens .
Agricultural produce is no longer sold, servants cannot be hired and the Mop Fair consists entirely of amusements . For many years now the Borough Council has leased the organisation of this event to the Showman’s Guild and WG Danter and Sons . The Fair thrives and is now one of the largest and most successful street fairs in the entire country .
Tewkesbury folk and others from miles around make sure the second week in October is firmly established as a date to be memorised . For visitors from further afield this is another good reason to make sure that Tewkesbury is just the place to linger .
The Mop Fair
— 16 —
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It is best to visualise this town as a large Y with the base at the Abbey . The stem of the Y
is Church Street, which divides to the left High Street and to the right Barton Street . The infill between these two is known as the Oldbury . A walk around the town can take as little as an hour, or as long as one wishes .
We might start our journey at the Gloucester Road car park at the extreme bottom left of the map . As we walk up towards Church Street we pass an attractive terrace of houses . These, the Abbey Terrace, were built in the late 18th and early 19th century soon after this turnpike road was built . Original access to the town was on different routes closer to the river or further east through the Vineyards . The meadows on the right, now sports-pitches, south of the river Swilgate must have been the place where the monks tended their vines .
To our right just beyond the terrace we will see a large Victorian house, once built as the vicarage . The vicar now resides in the much grander and more beautiful Abbey House, which was at one time the Abbot’s residence, which lies behind this building . We can see set back from the road the Abbot’s gatehouse, which is a remarkable survival from
Exploring Tewkesbury Ancient Streets and Alleyways
— 18 —
the old Abbey precinct, much restored in the 19th century . On our left is the entrance to the Victoria Pleasure Gardens, created to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897 . It is wonderfully ironic that local residents have restored it just in time for our present Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012 . Abutting this garden is the old Abbey Mill and tithe barn, both now converted into residential use . We can also glimpse the magnificent medieval houses in Mill Avon and the lovely Georgian cottages in Mill Street .
The Bell Hotel lies directly opposite the Abbey entrance . The beautiful ornate ‘Gage Gate’ placed here in the 18th century by Viscount Gage the then M .P, survived the destruction of so much wrought ironwork in 1940 . The Bell, one of the oldest inns in the town was once part of the Abbey precinct, before the construction of this road . It was largely rebuilt in the late 17th century as the date 1696 on its east side testifies .
Beyond the Bell we will be struck by the higgledy-piggledy nature of the streetscape . On our right are the line of beautifully restored late 15th century Abbey Cottages . (Believe it or not, there was a proposal to demolish these fifty years ago, they were saved by a local charity, the Abbey Lawn Trust .) On the left some of the houses have Georgian or Victorian fronts . These merely front intact medieval houses . The same phenomenon is to be seen in the High Street and Barton Street and one will see much the same in other medieval market towns .
We will also see examples of some of Tewkesbury’s famous alleys and courts . There were originally 90 of these, only 30 remain . They were a consequence of a growing town population on a very congested site . Expansion was not possible because of the surrounding flood plains . The alleyways tended to demarcate the old burgage plots which defined land ownership in medieval times . By the 19th century many were little more than picturesque slums, places of grinding poverty, filth, and disease, now they contain many beautiful bijou cottages . The first of special note is Baptist Chapel Court very near the Bell Hotel . This contains perhaps the oldest remaining Baptist Chapel in the country, together with a very evocative and beautiful small burial ground . We might also remember that until recent times Tewkesbury was an important centre of non-conformist religion .
To the left we can see the entrance to St Mary’s Lane . Nos 28 to 30 are fascinating examples of framework knitters cottages dating from the late 18th century . We will immediately notice the large upper windows, absolutely necessary in the days before electric light to give sufficient illumination for the machine workers . Opposite these we will notice the old Quaker burial ground, now a small garden, ideal for peaceful meditation . This is a good place to appreciate the Abbey tower’s brooding domination of the town .
Further up Church Street on the right is the Crescent . This was formerly
— 19 —
the site of the great Abbey gatehouse, now demolished . We will notice that this now contains a short terrace of early 19th century Georgian houses . Representing Tewkesbury’s futile attempt to keep up with Cheltenham, the terrace was never completed and newly discovered Tewkesbury spa-water was never exploited .
On the left we will pass the rather grandly appointed Royal Hop Pole Hotel . This was once one of the town’s three coaching inns when Tewkesbury was a vital hub of the national coaching network . Charles Dickens mentions the Royal Hop Pole in his novel ‘Pickwick Papers’ . When this building was restored a few years ago a medieval hall house was revealed . The remains can still be seen by special appointment . At 89-90 Church Street there is an even more remarkable medieval survival in a vaulted cellar built around 1300 . Opposite the Royal Hop Pole there is
another of Tewkesbury’s ancient inns; the Berkeley Arms . This building’s façade is one of the oldest in the town and arguably the most beautiful . Nearby, one the same side of the street, is Lilley’s Alley, possibly the most attractive in the town . This contains some very lovely medieval cottages . The alley was named after Widow
Lilley who rented a china shop at the front . Her landlord was a one legged hosier given the extraordinary name “ Corkleg Parker’ .
The Cross, with its very fine war memorial, is the centre of the town . This was until 1650 the
site of the ‘ the Greate Highe Crosse’ . The Old Hatte Shop, now the heritage centre, is a wonderful example of
Royal Hop Pole Hotel
— 20 —
a 17th century merchant’s house, complete with its distinctive Beadle’s Hat sign . Its huge first and second floor windows are a particular feature of this period . Perhaps an even better example of this is the Town Museum building in Barton Street . At the cross there is the imposing 19th century Wesleyan Methodist Chapel built by Thomas Collins a Tewkesbury notable, who was responsible for much of the restoration of the old town, including the Abbey itself . Opposite the Methodist chapel is the Old Cross House, restored and lived in by Collins; another wonderful example of the town’s splendid medieval heritage . It is believed that this was once the site of the Court House of the Lords of Tewkesbury!
Walking up the High Street we should be on the look out for more of the surviving alleyways . Tolsey Lane, perhaps not strictly an alleyway, is the site of the original Tolsey, where the market tolls were collected . Machine court reminds us of a former town trade, that of stocking weaving . Outside Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, Tewkesbury was once the most important national centre of this trade! Many of the others such as Smith’s, Bray’s Eagle’s and Wall’s refer to the names of those who once occupied property within the alleys . Many retain their blue brick paving indicating a public right of way .
On our left hand side we will see the House of the Nodding Gables . This is a splendid example of jettying, where upper stories overhang into
the street . In the case of this house, a broken ridge piece on the top storey has meant that the house has a top heavy appearance, it almost seems that the building is about to fall into the highway . Next door you may notice a rather splendid Georgian frontage complete with balcony; the ground floor has been converted into a series of nondescript modern shop-fronts . This was once the Swan Hotel . It was from this balcony that election results were announced . A little further on is the lovely Tudor building with the extraordinary name: the Ancient Grudge, now an
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— 21 —
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— 22 —
estate agent . This has some beautiful 16th carving on the exterior and a spectacular Tudor ceiling inside . Further up the High Street we pass the very grand classical frontage of the Town Hall . This is unusual in Tewkesbury, because it is built in stone . This building was paid for by Sir William Codrington, an 18th century MP, of naval and West Indian slave trade fame, and refurbished and extended by the Healings who owned our largest town mill . As we walk along these Tewkesbury streets and look up at the windows above the shop fronts, we might notice one particular feature of many 18th Tewkesbury buildings, notably the ceramic key in the centre of the
window lintels . As we approach the north end of the High Street we will see a medley of lots of styles . There is the majestic Georgian of Riverside House and the late medieval/ Tudor of the Black Bear, thought by many to be the oldest pub in Gloucestershire . Inside there is the truly remarkable moulded leather ceiling; legend tells us was it was created by craftsmen employed in the pre-Reformation Abbey .
If you turn left and walk towards the river you will see on the right a pretty terrace of medieval cottages saved from demolition in 1965 . Ahead is King John’s Bridge which spans the river Avon . This was opened in 1197, although widened in 1962 . You can take a path from here along the Avon . Ahead you will see the enormous Victorian buildings of what was once Healings Mill . Opened in 1869, it was the largest and most efficient Mill in the entire country then .
— 23 —
Retracing our steps and walking back down the High Street we should perhaps avert our eyes from Tewkesbury’s misfortune the truly dreadful Bishops Walk, an architectural confection of the 1960s . This development destroyed the famous, perhaps notorious, double alley . John Moore, who lived opposite in the building, now the Tudor House Hotel, based his descriptions of the abject poverty he witnessed in early 20th century Tewkesbury upon life in this alley . So perhaps its destruction was not an entirely bad thing . If you look carefully along the side of the Tewkesbury Cook-shop you might notice a pillar of stone set amidst the later brick . This is all that remains of the Old Railway Station . There was a railway spur going down Quay Street right as far as Healings Mill . All this is now a distant memory .
There are three very special medieval buildings on the east side of the High Street . Clarence House was supposedly occupied by the ill-fated
Duke of Clarence after the battle of Tewkesbury . The former Wheatsheaf Inn, now a fine antiquarian bookshop, dates back to at least 1500 and the Nottingham Arms still a thriving pub, is of similar age . Many alleys and courts still exit into the High Street . Perhaps the most interesting is Wall’s Court, the half-timbered house on the
right was saved from demolition, largely through the efforts of the Tewkesbury Civic Society .
To the east of the High Street is the Oldbury a common field until it was enclosed 1808 . It is now a fascinating Victorian complex of artisan cottages and converted factories . As we walk into this area from the High Street down Sun Street, we will notice on the left the rather attractive modern town library and Roses Theatre, this is certainly an improvement on the 1960s eyesore on the other side of the street . Beyond Oldbury Road, which runs parallel to the High Street is the open space known as ‘Spring Gardens’ normally a car park, but used on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the site of the town market . Abutting Spring Gardens is the Cascades Swimming Pool and Sports-Centre . This was built in the 1960s entirely with donations from local people . Osborne House in East Street survives as the managers house of what was then a steam powered factory . This and the factory
Medieval Cottages, Church Street
— 24 —
is now an attractive residential terrace . We will arrive at Chance Street and should turn right into Barton Street, making our way back to the Cross .
In Barton Street we will notice again the wonderful Tewkesbury mix of medieval, Georgian and Victorian building facades . The finest building is 64 and 64a which has been since 1962 the Town Museum . This was saved from near dereliction by the generosity of many local notables including Sir George Dowty . The house has a medieval origin, but was converted into a beautiful and sumptuous merchant’s house in the 17th century . With its jetties, huge glass windows and fabulous internal wall-panelling it offers perhaps the finest example of its type in the town and one of the best in the county . Look out too for the famous Mustard House, it was here that Tewkesbury Mustard, a condiment mentioned by Shakespeare, was once manufactured . In recent years Tewkesbury Mustard is being made again and can be purchased in a number of shops in the town . A little further up on the same side we come across a whole series of alleyways . Fletchers, Hughes, Fish, and Yarnells . We will notice too the large gateway into Chapel Court . This small court is all that remains of old Star and Garter Inn courtyard . One can even still see something of the old balconies .
This brief tour is complete, but we hope it will be a mere taster for much more, and there are plenty of books to fill in the details . Regular walking tours of the town are organised by the Town Museum .
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Find us next to the Steam Railway
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n Visit us for all your gardening needs.n Well stocked outdoor plant area.
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n Knowledgeable staff.n Free parking.
— 25 —
Open every day : 8:30am – 5pm
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Activities available:• Tuition (Sailing, Canoeing • and Windsurfi ng)• Boat Hire (Pedal boats,• Canoes and Rowing boats)• Kids Parties on the Water• River Trips• Kids Parties on the Water
Croft Farm Water Park
— 26 —
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There cannot be many small market towns that offer the varied wealth of cultural
and community activities that does Tewkesbury . In the Abbey we have a building that regularly hosts world-class musicians and offers a liturgy of such colour and splendour that would make many Cathedrals envious . On many days, especially on Thursday evenings, visitors will experience the mellifluous sound of the thirteen bells of the Abbey ring out . We possess a theatre of national significance in the Roses . There are numerous amateur dramatic groups, choirs and of course the Town Band . We have a Civic
Society that hosts many talks of great interest as well as being a significant player in the salvation of medieval Tewkesbury from the worst excesses of the 20th century planners . Special interest groups such as the Battlefield, Medieval and Historical Societies and the Friends of the Museum thrive . Sporting interests such as Rugby, Cricket, Football and Bowls are extremely well supported . There are many youth groups such as the Boys’ Brigade, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, and Sea Cadets Air Training Corp or Army Cadets .
There are many churches within the town, all of them possess lively
Tewkesbury; a Cultural Hub
Tewkesbury Abbey
— 28 —
and committed congregations . The Abbey is the centre of Tewkesbury’s spiritual witness, it offers a variety of religious services, within the Anglo-Catholic tradition, that take place daily . Holy Trinity our other beautiful Church of England building is the centre of a vibrant parish where worship is more Evangelical . There are Baptist, Jehovah Witness, Methodist, Roman Catholic and Salvation Army groups within the town, all them providing a witness of Christian Faith, with many links of friendship and fellowship and more formally working together through the ‘Churches Together’ umbrella group . Every Good Friday, for example, most of the Christian congregations come together for a joint march of witness through the town ending with an ecumenical service in the Abbey grounds . Community Action is alive and well, whether in the form of helping in our Touching Souls coffee shop, working in Charity Shops collecting for various charitable causes, driving the elderly, supporting the Town Hospital as a Friend, supporting Tewkesbury in Bloom, or joining one of
the many residents’ groups . Living in this town offers so much .
The range of what this community offers is truly mind-boggling . Many church groups, cultural activities and sporting, clubs vie for membership . Music and Drama is performed to the highest standard, often in an environment of significant historical interest and beauty . There are a remarkable number of venues for these events . Apart from the Abbey and Roses Theatre, the town possesses many excellent halls and smaller rooms for hire . The Town Council alone can offer the Watson Hall and the Town Hall . We are truly blest in this little community!
Tewkesbury Heritage Centre: ‘Out of the Hat’
— 29 —
The Roses’ Theatre has been a vital part of the local cultural landscape since it was opened
in 1975 by Princess Anne . It survives and flourishes, in part because of various grants, especially from the Arts Council . However, it requires and secures the enthusiastic support of an army of volunteers . Without their involvement it would offer so much less . As it is the Roses has an extraordinarily varied programme of drama, dance, opera, comedy, children’s work and music . Every year is staged a hugely popular professional pantomime .
In addition to all this it offers a varied programme of British and international film, making it the most important independent film
The Roses Theatretheatre in the region . In recent years the theatre has developed a widely acclaimed outreach programme . This includes workshops for children during the holidays, four youth theatres, a Samba band and many projects that take place in schools and the wider community . The Roses Theatre Trust prides itself especially on its work in the wider community where it endeavours to target the disadvantaged and disaffected young . Recent projects have included work with young offenders and children at risk of exclusion; as well as a major arts-in-health programme . This is an organisation that offers a real cultural opportunity to everyone, as such it has become one of the true jewels of the town .
— 30 —
Tewkesbury Town Councilis proud to subsidise
The Roses TheatreSun Street, Tewkesbury. GL20 5NX
Tel: 01684 295 074email: [email protected]
We aspire to be a theatre that is creative, innovative, regionally and nationally distinctive, presenting live and
fi lm performance of the highest quality to audiences that value the Roses experience. We reach out to our local and regional communities with arts participation
and education that is fulfi lling and life enhancing.
Tewkesbury Museum64 Barton Street, Tewkesbury. GL20 5PX
Tel: 01684 29 29 01email: [email protected]
Opening Times:March-August: Tue-Fri 1pm-4.30pm, Sat 11am-4pm
September-October: Tue-Fri 12pm-3pm, Sat 11am-3pmNovember-March: Saturdays and event days only.
Admission:Adults £2.00; Children 75p; Concessions £1.00; Family Ticket £4.00
Special Events throughout the yearSchool bookings for National Curriculum subjects, contact the Curator.
NB: The museum is not suitable for wheelchair users
www.rosestheatre.org Box office: 01684 295074 xx Box office: 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org
Live Film Take Part Contribute January-March 2012
www.rosestheatre.org Box office: 01684 295074 xx Box office: 01684 295074 www.rosestheatre.org
Live Film Take Part Contribute January-March 2012
Box Office: 01684 295074www.rosestheatre.org
Registered Charity No: 1051708
Live Film Take Part Contribute
— 31 —
Tewkesbury’s compact and attractive town centre makes a lovely venue for the discerning
shopper . This may surprise potential visitors, but the town has managed to retain a much more traditional mix of shops than many market towns . In its remarkable range of diverse shops has meant that Tewkesbury offers a complete and fully comprehensive shopping experience .
There is an unusual range of both independent and chain boutiques that can satisfy every need and all age-groups . The specialist shops, including as they do; two delicatessen, butchers, and greengrocers, traditional sweetshops,
children’s clothes shops, bookshops, and many antique and bric-a-brac emporiums are a treat in which to browse . Should you make time to be pampered, then that can be arranged too . Tewkesbury is just the place to have your hair done, your feet massaged, yours nails beautified or even a tattoo or piercing organised . There are lots of national chain stores represented in our retail mix, but independent retailers still dominate the scene .
There are two well-known supermarkets in the town centre; yet they sit comfortably cheek-by- jowl with more traditional purveyors . The largest supermarket is still
The Tewkesbury Shopping Experience
— 32 —
within easy access of the town- centre . Tewkesbury possesses ancient market rights, going back to medieval times . There are two market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays . Markets are held in Spring Garden, a venue yards from the town’s High Street . These markets are lively places with stall-holders offering lots of varied produce, clothing, CDs, shoes and much more at very competitive prices .
There is lots of convenient parking within walking distance of the town-centre . The town possesses an amazing range and variety of eating establishments, coffee -houses and traditional pubs . These suit every taste and pocket . Certainly you will receive a warm welcome and have a memorable experience when you shop in Tewkesbury .
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— 33 —
One of the many advantages of being a small town, is that Tewkesbury possesses
a fine secondary school that caters to the whole community . Tewkesbury School, which opened on its fine spacious out-of-town site in 1972, is an amalgam of four older much smaller establishments . Tewkesbury Grammar School which used to occupy the rather ugly cramped neo-Gothic building next door to the Bell Hotel was a typical small town boys’ grammar school . Its most famous old boy was Sir Raymond Priestley a notable Antarctic explorer .(his sledge is displayed in pride of place within the school!) The Grammar School could perhaps
claim tenuous links to the older pre-Reformation school that existed as part of the Abbey . However, in the years after the Second World War it became increasingly obvious that it was simply too small to provide an effective contemporary education . This was also true of the old Girls’ High School which was founded in 1870 . As such it played a leading role within the county in the very early development of an appropriate quality education for girls . It occupied a particularly beautiful Georgian town house in Church Street, which was later the campus of the now defunct choir school . The two secondary modern schools were also too small to be viable . The boys’ secondary modern in Chance Street, is now the site of Tewkesbury Church of England Primary School, the girls campus formed the core of the present comprehensive school site . Thus a decision was taken to found a larger truly sustainable comprehensive school that could offer a quality education to all .
Tewkesbury School is now a highly regarded establishment with a record of academic success that has recently been awarded Academy status . Moreover, the school has long been a frontrunner in exciting and innovative educational improvements . Most notable has been the opening of Launchpad, situated in the Northway Industrial Estate . This development, undertaken in partnership with Gloucestershire
Tewkesbury a Centre of Education
Tewkesbury Sixth Form students
— 34 —
College and two other local secondary schools, provides high quality vocational education for a wide range of students from 14 to 19 years of age . This emphasis on truly valuable practical and job-focussed skills has meant that Tewkesbury School has maintained its reputation as a provider of first class educational opportunity for all students including those in the excellent Sixth Form . At the same time it has developed its own school site – most recently they have built an all-weather games pitch, which along with their Sports Centre, is also available for community use . Such developments help the school to enhance an already enviable reputation for academic rigour and sporting prowess within a stimulating environment .
Tewkesbury possesses many highly regarded primary schools . In reputation and performance they remain some of the best within the county .
For many years Tewkesbury possessed its own famous
independent choir school – the Abbey School . Sadly this closed in 2006 . However, the choir survived and is now merged into Dean Close School in Cheltenham . Whilst the town no longer has any independent school provision, it is in close proximity to many excellent private schools . Cheltenham, only eight miles away, possesses four extremely well regarded such establishments . Closer even we have Bredon School, near Bushley . Worcester and Malvern, which are less than twenty miles distance, possess many nationally acclaimed independent schools . In addition to these there are many excellent preparatory schools within the area . Parents in this town are spoilt for choice!
Hanley Castle High School and Sixth Form Centre “A High Performing Academy” Hanley Castle, Worcester, WR8 0BL Telephone: 01684 593241 Website: www.hanleycastle.worcs.sch.uk
Celebrating 700 years of academic excellence
Hanley Castle offers a fusion of 21st Century provision with traditional values in an idyllic rural location. Consistently achieving outstanding results.
Increased Pupil Admissions Number from 2012 due to high demand.
What Next? Contact the Headteacher at any time for a private tour.
— 35 —
Business in Tewkesbury
The last few decades have been ones of vibrant business growth in Tewkesbury Town
and its adjacent parishes . This has meant that Tewkesbury has increasingly become the destination of choice for many companies small, medium and multi-national . The town is blessed by having the most superb rail and road links together with its strategic location with easy access by motorway to Birmingham, Bristol, Swindon and South Wales .
The town is adjacent to Junction 9 on the M5 . On either side of this junction there are two large and diverse business parks . To the west is the Tewkesbury Business Park and to the east the Ashchurch Business Park . In addition to these are two more established industrial areas located at Northway and in the Tewkesbury Trading Estate .
In addition to motorway links, abutting these areas is Tewkesbury Parkway railway station on the main line from Cheltenham to Birmingham . It would be difficult to imagine a better located business and industrial site anywhere in the Kingdom, but certainly within this region Tewkesbury must be amongst the best .
All these offer a range of accommodation including high specification industrial units, large scale warehouse/production units and quality office space . Quite rightly Tewkesbury is seen as a ‘hot spot’ for development . Not only does it have a superb location and excellent infrastructure, but a well-educated committed workforce, where remarkably nearly one-quarter work directly in manufacturing .
The town has attracted many nationally known businesses as well as very precisely focussed high technological enterprises . Tewkesbury is on the up and is well placed to face whatever the future brings .
Ashchurch Business Park
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— 37 —
Tewkesbury the Gateway to the Severn, and Cotswolds
If you want to explore this area of England, Tewkesbury is really one the best places to stay .
Within twenty miles of the town there are some of the most important and beautiful heritage and natural history sites in the entire country . The town is the natural centre for any exploration of the area . This is helped by its easy access to the M5 and M50 . The town offers a wide range of accommodation: budget bed and breakfast, national hotel and lodge chains, quaint atmospheric ancient inns, caravan parks and plush country club hotels . There are places to suit every taste and pocket . Close Local AttractionsBredon Hill (4 miles)
A beautiful piece of open Worcestershire country with important iron-age remains . It dominates a whole series of lovely villages, Bredon, Kemerton, Overbury, Conderton and Beckford . The Hill was made famous by the poet A .E . Housman .
Cheltenham (8 miles)
Cheltenham is one of the most important Regency Spa towns in the country . Much of its early 19th century splendour is untouched . The Promenade is considered by many to be the most beautiful street in England . It is the regions most
important shopping centre . The town is perhaps most famous for its National Hunt Race Course and the world famous Gold Cup . Racing is offered at various times throughout the year .
Deerhurst (3miles)
This village is a unique centre of Anglo-Saxon history . This delightful village contains two Anglo-Saxon Churches . The ancient Anglo-Saxon Monastery of Deerhurst was once much more important than Tewkesbury . There is a beautiful walk from the town centre to this village along the river Severn, once the old road to Gloucester .
Dymock (15 miles)
A delightful village associated forever with the Dymock Poets who lived her in the period immediately prior to the Great War . Amongst them were Robert Frost, Edward Thomas and Rupert Brooke . This area has some extraordinary beautiful churches in Dymock and Kempley . Well marked walks allow us to follow in the footsteps of these remarkable men .
Eastnor Castle (6 miles)
A beautiful 19th century mock castle . The castle and grounds are open too the public . It is especially noted for some spectacular Pugin furnishings and internal decoration . The grounds are used by Land Rover to test their vehicles .
— 38 —
The Royal Forest of Dean (20 miles)
One of the last remaining ancient English forests . There are many miles of exquisite forest walking in glades where the modern world seems to have missed . There is lots of history too . The forest is full of the remains of abandoned Iron works and coalmines . The Dean Heritage Centre is an excellent place to start to understand the history of this remarkable part of England .
Gloucester (12 miles)
A famous Cathedral city noted for its enormous Cathedral, once a monastic rival of Tewkesbury . Of special note her is the remarkable survival of an entire medieval cloister . This has featured in the Harry Potter films! The old Gloucester Dock 18th warehouses make an attractive setting for viewing the historic ships, or even a coffee in delightful surroundings of shops and museums .
Malvern Hills. (12miles)
Malvern is a beautiful, largely Victorian, spa town and walking centre which boasts a fabulous
medieval Abbey (not as large or grand as Tewkesbury!) . These hills will always be associated with Sir Edward Elgar who is buried in Little Malvern .
Toddington (7miles)
This is the site of the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway which operates steam and diesel locomotives over a section of the old GWR Cheltenham to Birmingham main line . Toddington is the main base for the railway and enthusiasts can sock up the atmosphere of a bygone age . Right next to the railway is the garden centre, a place to indulge an alternative passion .
Winchcombe and Sudeley Castle (8 miles)
Winchcombe is beautiful small Cotswold market town, once the site of a medieval monastery and for a short period the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia . Sudeley Castle offers a wonderful insight into many periods of English history, but most especially that of the Tudors . Katherine Parr Henry VIII’s last wife is buried here .
— 39 —
Eating Out In TewkesburyRestaurants and Good Pub Food Anchor Inn T:01684 293625 Berkley Arms T:01684 293034Brewers Fayre T:01684 278680Britannia T:01684 291811 Nottingham Arms T:01684 276346My Great T:01684 292667 Grandfathers Ye Old Black Bear T:01684 292202 Theoc T:01684 296562 Tudor House T:01684 297755Bell Hotel T:01684 293293Gupshill Manor T:01684 292278 Canterbury Inn T:01684 438463Owens T:01684 292703 Royal Hop Pole T:01684 274039 Bay Tree T:01684 294074Slatters Bistro T:01684 297207
Chinese and East Asian Great Wall T:01684 292046 Hing Wah T:01684 293373 Eastern Eye T:01684 290668 New World (Vietnamese) T:01684 292225
Indian Nirala Tandoori T:01684 294353 Bajee (Indian) T:01684 850883 Raj Shahi (Indian) T:01684 273727 Spicy Life (Indian) T:01684 299584
Turkish Turkish Delight T:01684 291151
Cafés and Tea Rooms Abbey Tea Rooms T:01684 292215 Vintage Tea Rooms T:01684 292922Café Ricci T:01684 275332 Gregg’s T:01684 298070J T’s Coffee House T:01684 292955 Kingfisher T:01684 293220Melanie’s @49 T:01684 274433Costa Coffee T:01684 295433Subway T:01684 276778
Useful Telephone Numbers
Hospital Tewkesbury General Hospital is in Barton Road . T:01684 293303 The A & E Department is open from 08 .00-20 .00
Doctors There are three doctors’ surgeries: 77 Church Street T:0844 848 4661Barton Road T:01684 293278 Chance Street T:01684 296710
Dentists ADP Dental, 93 High Street T:01684 294263Cross House Dental Practice, Church Street T:01684 293322Old Police Station Dental Practice, Bredon Road T:01684 293933High Street Dental Practice, 40 High Street T:01684 293091Tewkesbury Dental Practice, 11 Barton Street T:01684 295900Tewkesbury House Dental Practice, 23 Barton Street T:01684 276937
Environment Agency West Area Office, Riversmeet House, Northway Lane, Tewkesbury . T:0870 850 6506 FLOODLINE: T:0845 988 1188
Halls For HireWatson Hall T:01684 294639Town Hall T:01684 294639Elizabeth Wyatt House T:01684 298996
Other Halls; Methodist Hall; Trinity Hall; Abbey Parish Hall; Masonic Hall; Boys Brigade HQ .
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Take Away Dominos Pizza T:01684 273337Chicago Pizza T:01684 275500 Number One T:01684 275373Uncle Sams T:01684 276186 Jellyroll T:01684 292322Joy Garden T:01684 299338Abbey Fryer T:01684 292365 Pronto’s T:01684 291512Crusty Cob T:01684 293386
Staying In TewkesburyHotels & Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Abbey House T:01684 298145Abbey Hotel T:01684 294247Abbotts Court T:01684 292515Barton House T:01684 292049The Bell Hotel T:01684 293293Elmbury Lodge (Premier Inn) T:0870 850 1845Hilton Puckrup Hall T:01684 296200Jessop House T:01684 292017Malvern View T:01684 296963Nursery Court T:01684 292487Royal Hop Pole Hotel T:01684 278670Sleep Inn (Travelodge) T:01684 291935Tewkesbury Park Hotel T:0870 990 2270Tudor House Hotel T:01684 297755
Camping and Caravan Sites Tewkesbury Caravan Club T:01684 294035Mill Avon Holiday Park T:01684 296876
COTTESWOLD DAIRY LTDPurveyors of the Finest Quality
Dairy ProduceFresh, local milk and cream, plus
other dairy and non-dairy products, delivered on a regular basis, direct
to your home or business.We are also able to offer an Organic range, as well as yoghurt, cheese,
bread, juices, eggs and water.To place an order, or for further information, please contact us.
Residential: 01684 274132Wholesale & Semi Retail: 01684 298959
Cotteswold Dairy LimitedNorthway Lane
Tewkesbury, GloucestershireGL20 8JE
www.cotteswold-dairy.co.uk
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waste management from your local recycling specialists in Tewkesbury
0845 450 5227 www.smiths-gloucester.co.uk
1982-2012: 30 years of service excellence
www.skipline.co.uk0845 450 5227
your local skip hire company in Northway Lane, Tewkesbury
Nick GarfittGardening Services
All Aspects Of Horticultural Gardening
Qualified & Insured
• Established 10 years• Commercial & Domestic
Garden Maintenance & Landscaping
Tel: 01684 297 666 Mobile: 07812 992 439
Email: [email protected]
Flower for all occasions...... at affordable prices
SimplySimplyFlowersSpecialising in Wedding,
Corporate & Event flowers,Sympathy flowers and Gift Bouquets
By Jo Hiorns
Call 01684 773550 or 07887 696350
jo@simplyflowers-astoncross.co.ukwww.simplyflowers-astoncross.co.uk
Simply_Flowers_A5_Ad_001.indd 1 28/11/2011 10:56
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High Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5JX Telephone (01684) 292282
also in Upton-upon-Severn (01684) 592607
Tewkesbury LTd esT 1820
Ironmongers, plumbing and Electrical engineers and supplies.
EvEryTHinG for aLL your Diy HouSEHoLD nEEDS.
THE backup of our profESSionaL SErvicES
Hardware Paints and Varnishes
woodcare Hand Tools
ConsumablesFlo Gas
electrical key Cutting
screws and Nails Garden Products
Cleaners Plumbing
Ironmongery Lawnmower repairs
and servicing and so much more
Haywards - a helping hand and nearly 200 years
pLuS
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Buying and selling vintage quality items
tewkesBury antique centre
Friendly, relaxed atmosphere. no pressure. 18 dealers under one roof. Open 7 days a week.
tolsey lanetewkesbury (near the cross) gloucestershire gl20 5ae
telephone 01684 294091
Audley Carecomes to Tewkesbury
Whether you need a hand with the ironing or more extensive help coping with illness, you can trust us to provide exactly the kind of quality homecare services you want in the way that suits you best.
• Long term, short term & emergency care• Cleaning, ironing and help preparing meals• Support whilst recovering from illness• Live-in, sleep-in and night care• Escorts to events and social activities• Holiday Cover
T: Suzanne on 01684 578418 E: [email protected] Care Malvern, Suite 2, Office 4, Cardinal Building,
Enigma Commercial Centre, Sandy’s Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 1JJ www.audleycare.co.uk
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Innovation. Performance. Security
Innovation Performance Security
L-3 TRL protects people worldwide from current and ever-evolving threats through market leading defence solutions.
We deliver innovative, proven technology in Force Protection, Information Assurance and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to governments and defence agencies.
www.L-3Com.com/TRL
Head Office:Unit 19, Miller Court, Tewkesbury, GL20 8DN, UK
Telephone 01684 278700 Fax 01684 850406 Email [email protected]
Gateway to the Severn and CotswoldsPrice: £1 where sold.
Severn Ham
Old Avon
R. S
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n BreakingstoneMeadow
CricketGround
King George VPlaying Fields
Carava
n and
Camping Site
River S wilgat
eCarrant Brook
Lock
Fire Station
RosesTheatre
Post Office
Library
AmbulanceStation
Police Station
Museum Hospital
Abbey
Sch.
Baptist Ch.
Primary Sch.
Superstore
SocialServices
AbbeyMill
St Mary’sAbbey
Bowling Green
Rugby Club
Old BaptistChapel
TouristInformationOffice
Abbe
yPr
ecin
ct
John MooreMuseum
Youth Centre
Red Cross HQSt John Amb. HQ
Adult Opportunity Centre and Day Centre for Older People
PublicSlipway
SwimmingPoolTrinity
Ch.
TRINITY SCHOOL WALK
GRAVEL WALK
R.C.Ch.
TownHall
Footpath
Town CentreWalk
JOHN’S BRIDGE
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CHURCH STREET
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BARTON STREET BARTON ROAD
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BISHOPS WK.
HOLLAMS ROAD
EAST STREET
ROPE WALK
JEYNES ROW
TRINITY ST.
SUN STREET
TOLSEY LANE
R
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NE
QUAY ST.
ST MARY’S RD
MILL STREET
ST MARY’S LANE
GANDER LANE
HOWELLS ROAD
SWILGATE R
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LIN
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W
ENLO
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QUEENS RO AD
Tewkesbury - Town Centre Map