Tewkesbury Abbey, Norman abbey in Tewkesbury, England.
Tewkesbury Abbey is a Norman stone church in Tewkesbury, England, with a tower and walls built from Caen limestone. The interior holds medieval tombs, windows, and structural elements from several centuries of English religious history.
A Benedictine abbey was founded here in 1102 and served for centuries as a monastic church. The dissolution under Henry VIII could have led to its destruction, but the townspeople of Tewkesbury bought the building for the price of its lead roof and saved it as their parish church.
The memorials and tombs for noble families such as the Despensers and Nevilles fill the interior, showing how this place served the medieval elite. Visitors today can attend services and see how the local community still uses this space as their parish church.
The building is open for visitors who wish to attend services or explore the interior on their own. Guided tours explain the construction and the tombs, and the tower offers a view over the surrounding countryside.
Two Labrador dogs named Eric and Florence wear identification badges and greet visitors as official helpers to the sacristy from Tuesday to Thursday. They have their own social media accounts and have become a well-known part of daily life at the church.
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