Evesham’s iconic 16th century detached bell tower once part of the great Evesham Abbey.
This magnificent detached bell tower was originally part of Evesham Abbey which was demolished during the 16th Century Dissolution of the Monasteries. Dating back to 700AD, Evesham Abbey was once one of the richest and largest in Britain.
The tower, which was constructed around 1530AD on the instructions of Abbot Clement Lichfield, rises in three stages to a height of 110ft. The detailed masonry work was managed by Robert Vertue the younger who also worked on projects such as Westminster Abbey and Greenwich Palace. It is located at the entrance of Abbey Park and overlooks both the playgrounds and the River Avon. It is close to the surviving churches of St Lawrence and All Saints and remains an iconic landmark.
The bell tower was extensively restored between 2015 and 2016 and holds a peal of 14 bells which are considered by many to produce the finest rings in the country. The bells were all cast by John Taylor & Co. Bellfounders of Loughborough with the original set dating back to 1951.
While it is not possible to climb the tower visitors can walk through its arched base as they enter or leave Abbey Park. Pierced by an archway with unfinished vaulting, it is surmounted by openwork battlements and pinnacles. The Evesham Bell Tower is considered to be an excellent late example of the Perpendicular style and was described by the author and historian James Lees-Milne as ‘one of the nation’s architectural treasures’.
ADDRESS & CONTACT
Church House, Market Place, Evesham, Worcestershire, England – WR11 4RW
POSTCODES
Sat Nav Postcode: WR11 4RW
Sat Nav Postcode Parking: WR11 4BD