Evesham Abbey

Description

The early history of the abbey is involved and uncertain. From its foundation in 701 AD it alternated from a monastic to a collegiate foundation, finally becoming monastic in 989 and lasting until its dissolution in 1539. It seems clear that the Abbey church and its surrounding buildings were destroyed within a few years of the Dissolution. The only parts of the church now to be seen in position are a piece of the west wall of the north transept and the bases of several piers adjacent to it. A number of abbey outbuildings survive, including Abbot Reginalds gateway, (Norman), C16 Belltower, C14 stables, C15 almonry, late C13 chapter-house and C14 gateway. The only remains of the church are a fragment of C12-C13 North transept. (PastScape)

Nos 53 and 54 incorporating Remains of Abbey Gate (Abbey Gate House). Grade I. 1711. Fine L-shaped house which incorporates the remains of the early C14 Abbey Gate, or Great Gate, built by Abbot Chyryton. House of stone and rubble; 2 storeys; 5 sash windows; 2 later C18 doorways with fanlights, 3/4 fluted Doric columns and cornices; wood modillion eaves cornice; hipped tile roof. Good moulded lead rainwater head on east side (of No 54), which is largely of medieval origin and has numerous blocked openings including large semi-circular arches, that at rear of No 53 being part of Abbey Gate and incorporating one original jamb. Interior: No 54 largely altered, but No 53 has late C17 staircase and panelling. Bay on right-hand side projecting towards Merstow Green has a modern upper storey built above the gateway passage with an archway on north return side. To south of this bay, adjoining the Abbey Stables (qv) is the remains of a vaulted passage of early C14. (PastScape)

Comments

Granted licence to crenellate, in 1332 and 1336. The licence of 1332 was for a house beyond the gate of the abbey; the licence of 1336 was for a chapel and other houses adjacent to this house and for the abbey itself. A 'heritage audit' in 2003 suggested that the C18 house called' Abbey Gate' does incorporate the remains of the C14 abbey gatehouse and this is the right date to be the buildings associated with the 1322 licence.