THE FUTURE of Evesham’s iconic Almonry Museum looks in safe hands following the appointment of a Vale builder with a track record in restoring historic buildings.
It was recently announced by Evesham Town Council, owner of the Grade I-listed property, that DA Cook of Dumbleton was the preferred contractor to carry out phase one of an urgent restoration project.
DA Cook is well known in the area for the repair and refurbishment of a wide range of historic buildings, which has been a core part of the family business since 1968.
Historic building consultant Harvey Faulkner-Aston, Arnold Bartosch; mayor of Evesham, John Clatworthy; museum manager Ashleigh Jayes, and David Arnold, director of Arnold Bartosch. Picture by Lise Evans
Almonry Museum manager Ashleigh Jayes told the Observer: “The project team is very pleased to have selected DA Cook as the preferred contractor for the Almonry Restoration Project.
“They are a local company with a long history of working on buildings like the Almonry, and we look forward to working with them when the scheduled works begin in the new year.”
The Almonry, which dates back to the 14th Century, has a rich history as both a monastic structure and a heritage centre.
Initially serving as the home for the almoner, a monk responsible for distributing alms at Evesham Abbey, it later became the residence of the last abbot after the Abbey’s closure during the Dissolution.
It was acquired in 1929 by the then Evesham Borough Council after being used as an ale house, tea rooms, and a private residence.
Managing director of DA Cook, Joe Cook, said: “We are very pleased to be involved with the repair and refurbishment of this fantastic building. We feel that having over 50 years of experience working on listed properties in the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire area has made us the ideal construction partner for this scheme.
“The family business looks forward to bringing its skilled workers and apprentices, along with assistance from its sister companies Winchcombe Reclamation and Cotswold Hill Stone & Masonry Services, to carry out a very comprehensive and technical refurbishment of this well-loved museum.”
The Almonry was acquired in 1929 by the then Evesham Borough Council after being used as an ale house, tea rooms, and a private residence.
Phase one of the project includes a complete re-slating of stone roof tiles, window repairs, repointing and masonry repairs, and other works.
It is being paid out of a £2,175,500 grant from Arts Council England through the Museum and Estate Development Fund.
David Arnold, from Cheltenham-based chartered surveyors and historic building consultants, Arnold Bartosch, added: “Arnold Bartosch is privileged to be involved with the project.
“Our work on the Almonry since 2017 has focused on delivering a sensitive, conservation-led restoration that safeguards the building’s historic fabric whilst addressing its long-term performance.
“The proposed works are essential to ensure the future of this significant Grade I listed building and allow it to be removed from the Heritage at Risk register.
“Restoration isn’t just about repairing fabric. It’s about preserving stories, identity, and a sense of place for people who value it most, ensuring the Almonry is sustainable and a community asset.”
Phase one of the project including a complete re-slating of stone roof tiles, window repairs, repointing and masonry repairs, plus other works is expected to start in January 2026.
It is being paid out of a £2,175,500 grant from Arts Council England through the Museum and Estate Development Fund.
Visit almonryevesham.org for updates.
