WORKS have begun at an historic Evesham abbey after securing funding to facilitate essential surveys, investigations and reports to support a larger restoration project.
The Almonry was granted £50,000 from Wychavon District Council and £16,000 from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Grants to hire experts to analyse and determine the buildings construction and condition.
Archaeologists, and experts in historical building construction and historic painted decoration have begun looking over the property before remedial works are carried out.
600 years of constant use has taken its toll on the building, which was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2016 by Historic England.
The surveys, which began on February 19, will include a detailed inspection of the roof and infill panel construction alongside an analysis of the painted timbers inside the building. Scaffolding has been put up for ease of access.
The works will provide detailed information to help repair, restore and secure the building’s future, if a £2 million funding bid is successful said Almonry manager, Ashleigh Jayes.
“Receiving these grants is a huge boost to our plans for the Almonry.
“We commissioned some surveys and reports in 2021 but this is an opportunity to delve deeper into the construction history of the Almonry and determine precisely what needs to be done to save the building.”
“While awaiting the outcome of the £2m funding bid, these grants are a lifeline to help us understand more about this very special building,” added Ashleigh.
If successful, the £2million funding bid will form phase 1 of a wider project to fully repair, restore and re-interpret the Almonry.
Visit https://www.almonryevesham.org/ for more information.
