This photo was taken before The Bell Tower underwent its recent restoration.
The Bell Tower was built circa 1530; making it nearly 500 years old.
The work was commissioned by the last true abbot of Evesham, Abbot Clement Lichfield, with the detailed masonry being overseen by Robert Vertue the younger. The Abbey Church and nearly all the monastic buildings disappeared following the Dissolution by King Henry VIII. Remarkably, and intriguingly, the Bell Tower survived the Dissolution of Evesham Abbey.
he Evesham Abbey Bell Tower is grade I listed (listing 1081353) being a late mediaeval building of national importance.
More than that, the Bell Tower forms part of a remarkable group of buildings; sitting in the same churchyard you will also find All Saints’ Church (listing 1081351) and St Lawrence’s Church (listing 1081352).
Bordering the churchyard you will come across the black-and-white half-timbered Church House (listing 1081350) right next to the ancient Abbot Reginald’s gateway (listing 1081349).
The Bell Tower acts as the cemetery gate between the old parish churchyard and the Abbey Park (which used to be called ‘Cross Churchyard’ and is probably the site of the monk’s graveyard); which means it sits just north of the site of the scant remains of Evesham Abbey (a scheduled ancient monument).
Overall, then, an extraordinary building in an amazing setting at the heart of an ancient market town!
