The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey

Fitzhamon Lecture 2025
2025-04-12 19:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London)
The Chief Glory of the Quire

The survival and the restoration of the 14th century stained glass in the presbytery at Tewkesbury Abbey.

2025 marks the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Kempe and Co restoration of the stained glass windows in the presbytery, so it is fitting that the theme for this year’s lecture will be the medieval stained glass of Tewkesbury Abbey.

The lecturer will be conservator Jim Budd ACR. Jim set up his stained glass studio in Herefordshire in 1986. He has worked on the stained glass at Hereford Cathedral since 1988 and completed several other conservation, repair and restoration contracts for cathedrals and churches, including work at Tewkesbury Abbey in 2013 and 2014. Jim has been an Accredited Conservator at ICON (the Institute of Conservation) since 2017 and has twice been awarded the Moat Memorial Prize by the Worshipful Company of Glaziers for reports on the 16th century stained glass at St Michael’s Church, Munslow, and the 1821 Joseph Backler window at St Thomas and St Luke’s Church, Dudley.

Friends' Festival 2025
2025-06-29 10:30 - 18:00
Programme for the Friends’ Festival Sunday 29th June

10.30am Choral Eucharist

Preacher: The Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown, lately Director of the Ministry and Public Affairs Division, Archbishops Council, Lambeth.

12.15pm Bring and Share Lunch in the parish hall

Please take your contribution to the Tea Room before the morning service. Wine and soft-drinks will be provided.

2.00pm Annual General Meeting

followed by

c2.30pm Guest Speaker

The Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Brown

4.00pm Afternoon Tea

5.00pm Festival Evensong

Summer Excursion to Great Witley Church
2025-07-01 10:30 - 16:30
An Enchanting Day of Music, History, and Hidden Gardens – Join Us!

The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey are delighted to invite you on a very special summer outing to one of Worcestershire’s most dazzling hidden treasures – St Michael and All Angels Church, Great Witley, on a day rich with exclusive access, beautiful surroundings, and fine company.

Cost for travel, tour of the Church, exclusive tour and entry to the Crypt, and Buffet lunch is £36.50

A Baroque Gem and a Musical Treat

Great Witley Church is widely regarded as the finest Baroque church in England. With its stunning gilded interior, ceiling frescoes, and lavish decoration, it is a jewel in the countryside.

We are honoured that the Friends will be treated to a private organ recital by the renowned James Lancelot. James’s extraordinary musicianship, coupled with the church’s remarkable organ – a historic instrument that has long drawn organists from far and wide – promises a moving and memorable performance in the majestic setting of the church.

Exclusive Access: The Crypt Unveiled

Adding a touch of intrigue to our day, we are being granted special access to the church’s crypt, which remains closed to the public. This rare opportunity includes a private tour and talk, allowing us to uncover the secrets of this atmospheric and historically rich space.

Guided Church Tour

Following the recital and crypt visit, we will enjoy a guided tour of the church, exploring its fascinating history, art, and architecture in greater depth. With expert commentary, the story of Great Witley Church will come vividly to life.

Lunch in the Secret Garden

Just a short and gentle walk away, we will retreat to the charming Secret Garden Tearooms, where a delicious lunch awaits us in the private conservatory. Overlooking the gardens, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy good food and conversation in the company of fellow Friends.

Explore Witley Court and Gardens (Optional)

For those wishing to extend the experience, there will be ample time to visit the spectacular Witley Court and Gardens, just next door. Now cared for by English Heritage, this ruined Italianate mansion and its restored fountains and parkland offer a romantic and tranquil setting to explore. Entry is free for English Heritage members, and we encourage those without membership and interested in visiting to pre-order tickets online individually ahead of time, as prices are more favourable than purchasing at the door.

Travel & Timing

We will be departing from The Crescent, Tewkesbury at 10.30am, and expect to return no later than 4:30pm. Transport will be arranged for all attendees.

This promises to be a day of rare access, uplifting music, warm fellowship, and a feast for the senses – not to be missed!

An Evening with Coro Camino
2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:00
Come and enjoy an uplifting evening of music in the Parish Hall within the beautiful surroundings of Tewkesbury Abbey with Coro Camino – a unique chamber choir of 12 voices who combine their passion for singing and pilgrimage.

Formed in 2019, Coro Camino first sang in a pilgrim hostel orchard in Spain, while walking the famous Camino de Santiago. Since then, they have performed in churches and venues across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and beyond. In 2021 they undertook a special local pilgrimage, walking from Tewkesbury Abbey to Gloucester Cathedral, singing along the way and performing in the church at Ashleworth before concluding at the Cathedral. Their repertoire blends sacred and secular music, inspired by the spirit of journey, fellowship and worship.

The ticket price includes refreshments.

The Parish Hall is in the building at the front of the Abbey, on Church Street, with level access available.

NEW MEMBER OFFER AT THIS EVENT

Complete the form to join the Friends at this event and your first 6 months of membership will be free – nothing to pay until May 2026! Purchase your ticket and simply hand in a completed application at the door before you leave the event. There will be a supply of membership application forms available on the evening.

Ticket Reservation Enquiry

If you are unable to purchase a ticket online, or are making a ticket reservation enquiry, please complete the enquiry form below. An alternative method of payment may be available. Please note that tickets will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

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Fitzhamon Lecture 2026
2026-04-25 19:00 - 21:30
Tewkesbury Abbey in the Late Middle Ages

The later middle ages has often been seen as a period of stagnation or even decline for English monasteries. Tewkesbury Abbey, however, remained buoyant throughout the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, finding ways to boost its endowment and status and to maintain close relations with its lay patrons. This talk will trace the late medieval fortunes of the monastery, highlighting key developments and challenges, and placing Tewkesbury Abbey in a wider monastic context
Martin Heale, FRHS

Professor of Late Medieval and Reformation History at the University of Liverpool

Professor Heale has published widely on the social and religious history of late medieval and early modern England, with a particular focus on the monastic orders. His books include Monasticism in Late Medieval England, c1300-1535 and The Abbots and Priors of Late Medieval and Reformation England.

Tickets are available below, and can also be reserved in the Abbey Shop.
