Friends' Council Meeting
2021-11-13 10:00 - 12:30, 2022-02-05 10:30 - 12:30, 2022-04-09 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | Tewkesbury Abbey

Abbey Christmas Fair
2021-11-27 11:00 - 15:00 | Tewkesbury Abbey
The Friends will have a stand at the Abbey – do come and say hello

The Fitzhamon Lecture - "The Last Monks of Medieval Tewkesbury"
2022-04-30 19:00 - 21:30 | Tewkesbury Abbey
Professor James Clark, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Transfer, Professor of History, Exeter University.
Further details about Professor Clark available from this link
Tickets £10 to include refreshments are now on sale in the Abbey Shop
Please note: If you purchased tickets for the 2020 Fitzhamon Lecture which was cancelled due to Covid restrictions these tickets can be exchanged for the 2022 lecture without additional charge. Please take your 2020 ticket to the shop.
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED – a waiting list for any returns has been put in place, please email ad***@**************************rg.uk if you would like your name to be added to this.
It is intended that an audio recording of this lecture, with presentation slides, will be made available on this site in due course.

Friends' Festival
2022-07-03 10:30 - 18:00 | Tewkesbury Abbey

Friends' Festival - Day Out to Coventry
2022-07-04 | Coventry
A day trip by coach from Tewkesbury to include guided tours of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple and Coventry Cathedral
Tickets will go on sale on 30th April 2022
Further details to follow

Friends' Council Meeting
2022-09-10 10:00 - 12:00

Friends' Autumn Lecture: "Sir George Gilbert Scott - Hero or Villain"
2022-10-28 19:00 - 21:30 | Parish Hall, Tewkesbury Abbey, Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ
Tewkesbury Abbey was a recipient of the interventions of Sir George Gilbert Scott, the Victorian Gothic Revivalist Architect, during the years 1870-1879. In this lecture Mr Tim Bridges, Conservation Adviser at the Victorian Society, will explore the controversies surrounding Gilbert Scott’s work with many of the Medieval buildings in Great Britain during the Victorian era.

This lecture will be held in the Parish Hall, Tewkesbury Abbey.

Refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are now on sale in the Abbey Shop or click the RSVP button below and pay on the door. The RSVP will collect your name, contact email address and the number of tickets you would like to reserve.

Visit to Nicholson Organ Works and Little Malvern Priory
2023-02-18 09:15 - 14:00
Nicholson & Co are one of the two largest firms of organ builders in Britain. The firm was originally established by Richard Nicholson in Rochdale in the 1820s; his son John set up business on his own in Worcester in 1841, and quickly rose to fame through instruments such as that at Great Malvern Priory (1850). 1956 saw a move to Malvern, where (now in newer premises) the firm continues to operate.

Recent years have seen some major contracts as well as much bread-and-butter work. The Milton organ in Tewkesbury Abbey received a thorough overhaul in 2018. Current projects include major work on the organs in Leeds Town Hall and Manchester Town Hall, and future projects include restoration work at Gloucester Cathedral.

The small but beautiful organ at Little Malvern Priory is by the leading Victorian builder William Hill, and was restored by Nicholson’s in 2019. Dr James Lancelot will demonstrate the organ for the Friends.

The £25 cost for the trip will include travel to all locations, the guided tour of Nicholson Organ works, the visit to Little Malvern Priory and refreshments.

Trip timings

9.15am Depart by coach from The Crescent, Tewkesbury

10.00am Nicholson Organ Tour

11.30am Little Malvern Priory

13.30 Return to Tewkesbury

To book your place please click on the RSVP ‘Going’ button below. You will be able to book more than one place using the same email address. This will generate an automatic email to confirm that your booking has been received, please check your junk/spam email box if this does not appear in your inbox. We will then be in touch with you to make arrangements for payment.

Friends' Council Meeting
2023-09-23 10:00 - 12:00
The first Council meeting in the current cycle of meetings

Autumn Talk: Tim Jeffree, Changing Churches - updating churches for modern use
2023-10-04 19:00 - 21:00
Tim Jeffree is the maker of the Abbey’s fine ‘Cope Chest’ located at the West End of the Abbey. He runs a carpentry business, TDJ Joinery, based at Prinknash Abbey, making church furniture that is unique, spiritual, functional and robust, with commissions from all over the country.

Tickets are on sale from The Abbey Shop, open 11am-3pm daily. (12-3 on Sunday) or may be reserved for purchase on the door by email application to ad***@**************************rg.uk

The talk will take place in the Parish Hall at Tewkesbury Abbey.

Friends' Visit to The Firs, Upper Broadheath
2024-02-24 09:30 - 13:30
Immerse yourself in the surroundings and music of Edward Elgar as Dr Roger Allen (piano) and John Parsons (violin) perform a short live recital of Elgar’s music.

The Firs, located in the picturesque countryside near Worcester, holds a special place in the heart of music enthusiasts and history buffs alike as the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar, one of the most celebrated composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Managed by the National Trust, The Firs is a charming red-brick cottage that offers visitors a glimpse into the early life and inspirations of the renowned composer.

Elgar’s Birthplace is a testament to the preservation of cultural heritage, showcasing the modest yet inspiring surroundings that influenced Elgar’s musical genius. Visitors can explore the carefully restored rooms, including the composer’s birth room, gaining insight into the domestic life of the Elgar family during the Victorian era.

The beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the cottage provide a tranquil setting for reflection, offering panoramic views of the Malvern Hills – a source of inspiration for Elgar’s compositions. The on-site visitor centre and exhibition spaces provide additional context to Elgar’s life and work, featuring artefacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages.

PLEASE NOTE: The Firs is run by the National Trust and an additional charge of £9.50 will be requested for those who wish to visit the house and gardens, or NT members may show their membership cards for free admission.

This is the first visit that the Friends are offering through an online booking and payment system so we apologise if there are a few glitches, please bear with us, this is a learning process for us all!

If you do NOT wish to purchase an online ticket but would like to register to buy a paper ticket when they go on sale please click the RSVP button and leave your email address. We will be in contact when the paper tickets are on sale.

The Fitzhamon Lecture 2024
2024-04-20 19:00 - 21:30
“Ambition, Violence and Piety

– the career of Robert FitzHamon”

Professor Judith Green

“When William the Conqueror invaded England he seized the manor of Tewkesbury … When William Rufus became king, he gave the ‘Honour of Tewkesbury’ to Sir Robert Fitz-Hamon, who had not only ‘come over with the Conqueror’, but was his kinsman and had married his niece Sybil. He was ‘by the Grace of God, Prince of Glamorgan, Earl of Corbeil, Baron of Thorigny and Granville, Lord of Bristol, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Cardiff, Conqueror of Wales, near kinsman of the King and General of His Highness’s army in France’. Such was the great Norman soldier to whose piety and generosity Tewkesbury owes her abbey church.”

Lionel Gough, from ‘The Friends Concise Guide to The Abbey” (1948)

A graduate of King’s College London, Judith Green studied at Oxford University for her D. Phil., and was attached to Somerville College. A research fellowship at the Institute of Historical Research and a lectureship at St Andrews followed. She then went to Queen’s University Belfast, where she was first lecturer, then Reader, and finally Professor of Medieval History. She joined the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at Edinburgh in 2005.

Tickets cost £10 (to include refreshments) and are available from Monday 11th March in the Abbey Shop (online ticket sales have now closed).

Fitzhamon Lecture Tickets
There are only a few tickets now available from the Abbey shop.

Cheese & Wine Quiz Evening
2024-05-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Parish Hall, Tewkesbury Abbey, Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ
A sponsored fundraising event, all proceeds will go to The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey

For the Quiz teams will be groups of 6.

Either purchase 6 tickets and come as a group of 6 or purchase 1-5 tickets and be allocated to a team on the evening.

Tickets may be purchased online via the link below – enter the number of tickets to be purchased and then click ‘Get Tickets’ to be taken to the secure payment portal. Tickets are also on sale in the Abbey Shop.

Friends' Festival 2024
2024-06-30 10:30 - 18:00
Due to a change to the regular service pattern at the Abbey it is necessary to move the date of the annual Friends’ Festival. From 2024 the Friends’ Festival (including the AGM) will now be held on the LAST SUNDAY IN JUNE each year.

The Friends’ Festival date for 2024 is therefore SUNDAY 30TH JUNE

Programme for the Friends’ Festival – Sunday 30th June

The Right Reverend David Charlesworth O.S.B. Abbot of Buckfast and Titular Abbot of Tewkesbury will be Guest of Honour for the day, and will be the preacher at the Choral Eucharist

10.30am Choral Eucharist

President: Reverend Canon Nick Davies, Vicar of Tewkesbury

12.30pm Bring and Share Lunch

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

2.00pm Annual General Meeting to be held in the Parish Hall

The Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer and 4 Council members will be elected at this meeting. The nomination form can be downloaded from this link. The closing date for nominations is Sunday 23rd June

c.2.30pm A Presentation by the Vicar of Tewkesbury, Revd Canon Nick Davies

4.00pm Afternoon Tea

5.00pm Festival Evensong

Friends' Visit to Worcester Cathedral
2024-07-01 09:30 - 13:00
On the 1st of July, The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey invite you to embark on a journey through time and marvel at the magnificent Worcester Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture nestled in the heart of Worcestershire, England. As you step through its ancient doors, you’ll be transported back centuries, enveloped in the rich history and spiritual significance of this sacred site.

As you approach the cathedral, your eyes are drawn upwards to the imposing façade, adorned with intricate carvings and majestic spires that reach towards the heavens. The intricate stonework tells stories of generations past, each detail a testament to the skill and devotion of the craftsmen who built this awe-inspiring edifice.

Inside, the grandeur of Worcester Cathedral unfolds before you. High vaulted ceilings soar overhead, illuminated by streams of sunlight filtering through stained glass windows that cast a kaleidoscope of colours across the stone floors. Take a moment to admire the intricate beauty of these ancient windows, each panel a masterpiece of artistry and faith.

As you wander through the hallowed halls, you’ll encounter treasures at every turn. From the majestic nave to the serene cloisters, every corner of the cathedral holds secrets waiting to be discovered. Marvel at the intricately carved choir stalls, adorned with delicate foliage and mythical creatures, or pay homage at the shrine of St. Wulstan, the cathedral’s revered patron saint.

Outside, the cathedral grounds offer a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Take a leisurely stroll through the cloister garden, where fragrant blooms mingle with the sweet scent of freshly cut grass. Sit for a while on a sun-warmed bench and soak in the peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by centuries of history and tradition.

Whether you come to Worcester Cathedral for spiritual solace, architectural inspiration, or simply to immerse yourself in the beauty of the past, your visit on the 1st of July promises to be a journey of discovery and wonder. So, mark your calendar, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by one of England’s most cherished cultural treasures.

Tickets are available from the Abbey shop, and online using the purchase button below

Friends' Autumn Lecture - Dr Ellie March
2024-10-08 19:00 - 21:00
Beyond the Abbey Church: An Examination of Tewkesbury’s Medieval Monastic Precinct

Dr Ellie March, University of Exeter and Friends’ Scholar

The talk will be held in The Parish Hall, Tewkesbury Abbey centre, Church Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5RZ

Tickets are also on sale in the Abbey Shop

Fitzhamon Lecture 2025
2025-04-12 19:00 - 21:30
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.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Event Name *How many tickets are you looking to reserve? *What method of payment do you want to use for purchase? *
you you? please)

Your name (first name and surname please) *How may we contact you? *Please add a telephone number or email addressAre you a member of the Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey? *YesNoPlease note that ticket allocation is on a ‘first come’ basisSubmit

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.

Summer Excursion to Hellens Manor
2026-06-30 10:00 - 15:00
The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey present a summer excursion to the historic Hellens Manor, situated in the charming Herefordshire village of Much Marcle.

Departure Tuesday 30th June at 10.00am and an expected return approximately 3.00pm.

Recognised as one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, parts of the manor date back to the 12th century and contain Tudor woodwork, and rare textiles.

Includes a private guided tour of the house. Learn about the generations of families associated with Hellens, as well as the legends connected to the manor, including stories linked to Anne Boleyn and Lady Alice Waldegrave, both part of the manor’s rich folklore and intrigue.

Members who would prefer to travel independently are, of course, very welcome to do so; however, all tickets must be purchased in advance due to the exclusive arrangements made with the venue and catering services.

Following the tour and included in the price, relax and socialise while enjoying hot drinks and cake as part of the Friends’ exclusive catering arrangements.

In order to keep costs down while still allowing everyone to enjoy what promises to be an amazing trip, this year’s excursion will operate as a car-share journey. Tickets cost only £17 and may also be reserved in the Abbey shop. Please note that online ticket sales must close at 11.30pm on 22nd June so that numbers can be confirmed with the venue.

After you have purchased your ticket a member of the Events team will be in touch to enquire about transport needs and offers for the day.

Friends Festival 2026
2026-07-05 10:30 - 18:00
The Friends are pleased to welcome Rt Revd David Jennings to be our Preacher and Speaker at this year’s Friends Festival to which all are warmly invited. The timetable for the day is:

10.30am High Mass

c 12.15pm Bring and Share Lunch in the Parish Hall – please take your contribution to the hall before the service

2.00pm Annual General Meeting of the Friends, in the Abbot’s Parlour, Abbey House

c 2.30pm Talk by Rt Revd David Jennings

4.00pm Afternoon Tea in the Parish Hall

5.00pm Festival Evensong
