The townsfolk of Tewkesbury saved the church from destruction by purchasing it for £453 from King Henry VIII in 1540 at the dissolution of the monasteries. The Abbey does not have the status or revenues of a cathedral and depends upon its visitors and friends from all over the world to help to maintain this great church.

The Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey was formed in 1934 by the vicar at that time, Edward Pountney Gough. It exists to assist in caring for the Abbey and preserving it, together with its goods and ornaments, and safeguarding it for future generations.

The Friends has provided substantial grants towards:-

• The Tower roof: new rain water gutters, gargoyles and walkway have been installed and the roof pyramid re-leaded
• The Cope Chest at the entrance to St Faith's Chapel
• The Tower external stonework
• The publishing of a guide book of the stained glass windows in the Abbey
• Plans are under way for the design of new tapestry kneelers for the nave step

Will be directly contributing towards this work and join people from all over the world who have the Abbey’s interests at heart.

You will receive:-

• The annual report.
• An invitation to all the services of the Friends Festival held annually on the first Sunday of July, and to lunch followed by the AGM and talk.
• News of concerts, visits and other social events connected with the Abbey.

An annual subscription..£10 (minimum)
A life membership...... £200
(Or four annual subscriptions of £50 under a Gift Aid Declaration, will entitle the donor to life membership when the fourth payment has been made).

If you are a taxpayer a Gift Aid Declaration increases your subscription by 28p for every £1 donated.

Please download and fill in the Application for Membership Form by clicking here and return it, with a standing order or cheque, to:-

Mr. Robert Davies, The Hon. Treasurer, Friends of Tewkesbury Abbey, Merecombe House, Kemerton, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. GL20 7JW