A market town located on the River Avon, Evesham is perhaps best known for its production of fruits and vegetables.
However, like any town with such a long and rich history, the story of Evesham can be observed in its architecture, and many iconic sites of the town have been subject to renovation in the name of preserving the local history.
The UK is home to striking structures not only in its major cities but across small towns and in this article we take a look at architectural aesthetics close to home and around the country.
The Bell Tower
It is believed that Evesham Abbey was once the largest in the UK.
However, much of the Abbey was demolished in the 1600s following the dissolution of the monasteries, and the Bell Tower is one of the few remnants of this once-formidable structure.
It has been the subject of restoration and in 2015-16 had the stonework treated for weather damage that had occurred over time. Its fourteen bells were installed by John Taylor & Co Bellfoundry, whose own bell tower in Loughborough was restored only last year. The site is the home of the UK’s last bellfoundry, and the restoration project was part of a huge drive to protect its history.
The Almonry
The Almonry is a building that has lived many lives. Constructed as a home to monks, it has gone on to be an ale house, a tea room, a private home, and most recently a museum centre whose collections reflect the history of Evesham, from the Abbey’s history to the 1265 battle of Evesham and local horticulture.
The Almonry is temporarily closed at the time of writing due to a restoration project set to commence this month, having received a grant from the Arts Council through the Museum and Estate Development Fund.
First targets for renovation include the building’s roof tiles and window repairs These types of features are amongst common targets for restoration as buildings age – Cast Court V&A museum subject of a renovation as a result of cracking glass in the rooflight for which no one could identify the cause – fixed with replacement glazing bars by Lonsdale Metal.
The resultant new barrel-shaped roof is distinctive and lends light to the building to illuminate the classic beauty and renewing without overwhelming modernity
We look forward to seeing the Almonry re-opening and restored.
The Regal Cinema
A proud cultural hub of Evesham, the Regal Cinema plays host not only to film screenings but also sport, concert and theatre viewings, exhibitions, lectures and more. .
But unlike an ordinary chain, this one is placed in a beautiful revived art deco building from the 1930s, which underwent restoration to become the highlight it is today.
The project took three years with the building re-opening in 2012, and saw huge support both from local businesses and volunteers.
Cinema buildings are becoming some of the most popular candidates for renovation of late – amongst them, Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds, a Grade II listed building and the UK’s last gaslit cinema. The refurbishment ensured that these were preserved.
What are your favourite sites in Evesham? Or most beloved buildings across the UK? Let us know in the comments below.
Article by Daisy Carr.
