The Abbey is internationally famous for its medieval architecture, stained glass and monuments, but its archaeology involves the study of all material evidence relating to the site from earliest times to the present day. The Abbey’s archaeological consultant, Dr Richard K Morris FSA, an architectural historian specialising in medieval churches, advises the PCC on the archaeological implications of any proposed works on the site, but his interest extends to surviving fabric above and below ground in the whole area originally occupied by the monastic community. For instance, excavations carried out in Abbey Meadow by Gloucestershire County Council’s Archaeology Service in 1992 produced significant evidence of the monastic service buildings.
The archaeological consultant also curates the abbey collection of many loose carved stones and other historic artefacts and a few of the best of these are currently exhibited in showcases in the church ambulatory. Archaeological projects of various kinds continue to be undertaken at the Abbey and fuller coverage is given in R K Morris and R Shoesmith (eds) Tewkesbury Abbey; History, Art and Architecture (Logaston Press, 2003, IBN 1 904306 03 8).
The Abbey can still throw up new discoveries when archaeological and conservational work is carried out. Here is a foliate 'boss' painted on the barrel vault of the south transept gallery chapel. Although this 12
th century decoration had been noted during the Victorian period it was not until restoration work was being undertaken in 1996 that it was rediscovered and put on show for all to see.
Archaeology
can be applied to the interpretation of structures that are now lost to us. The
south side of the Abbey carries the scars of cloisters that were demolished as a
result of the Reformation. Although the walkways themselves no longer exist it
is still possible to gain an impression of the structure from the remaining
masonry. For example, the length of blind arcading on the south wall gives us
the dimensions from which we can infer the the basic measurements of the missing
walls (cloisters traditionally being
quadrangles). The blind arcading to the east (that seen under the large window
in this picture) is virtually identical to the cloisters in Gloucester
Cathedral, thus implying they were alike.
This painted cross was discovered on the arch of the 7th bay of the
north nave arcade during the same restoration project that unearthed the foliate
boss. It is thought that the cross commemorates
the completion of the vault in
this area of the nave during the years of the Black Death, around the mid 14th
century.
One
of the largest features to be unearthed during an excavation at
Tewkesbury Abbey was the foundation plan of the eastern Lady Chapel.
This was rediscovered by Sir Charles Peers and Thomas Overbury senior during
their excavation of the east end in 1940. The foundations of the medieval Lady
Chapel are now shown by slabs that indicate their position below ground (see
right).
This gives us an impression of the chapel's size and dimensions.
The
Abbey is home to many grand examples of stonemasonry, but it also houses a
selection of rather delicate artistic works. This mid 14th
century painting can be found in the Trinity Chapel, a chantry on the
south side of the choir. The middle section shows the Trinity with angels
expelling incense on either side. The smaller figures knelt in prayer behind the
angels are Edward Despenser and Lady Elizabeth - this chapel being the intended
resting place of Edward on the wishes of Lady Elizabeth. Medieval painting is
not common as much was either defaced or painted over by later generations.