Gloucester and The Forest of Dean

Towns & Villages

TEWKESBURY

Tower of Tewkesbury Abbey -
Photo: Phil Halling CCL

A stunningly beautiful market town near the confluence of the rivers Avon and Severn, Tewkesbury can justly claim to be a museum in itself.





Its numerous medieval alleyways overhung by the upper floors of half-timbered Tudor properties help to create one of Britain’s most lavish black-and-white townscapes.





In addition, Tewkesbury boasts one of England’s first Baptist churches and a 12th century abbey crowned by a 132ft Norman tower.




The abbey was only saved from Henry VIII’s plan to plunder the country’s monasteries when local people paid a handsome bribe to turn it into their parish church.

The Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471 was one of the most savage incidents of the War of the Roses and the field where it took place is still known as ‘Bloody Meadow’.





The Black Bear pub dates from the early 14th century while diners at the Royal Hop Pole included Charles Dickens’ fictitious Pickwick Club.





Spanning the River Severn is Thomas Telford’s cast-iron Mythe Bridge while a second bridge, built from stone and spanning the River Avon, was built in the late 12th century.

Ye Old Black Bear - Photo: Bob Embleton CCL