SECRETS buried for a thousand years could soon be unearthed as part of an ambitious project to delve deeper into the hidden history of Evesham Abbey.

The remains of the abbey have seen little archaeological investigation, meaning a veritable medieval treasure trove of information may lie hidden beneath the soil.

The 1.7 acre site has been gifted to the Evesham Abbey Trust by Rudge Estates, the land having been in the ownership of the Rudge family since 1664.

It was the Edward Rudge who was responsible for the only other private dig in the 1830s.

The ambition of the trustees is not only to discover new information about the abbey but to make the most of this nationally important site for locals and tourists alike.

This will involve overseeing archaeological study, restoration and conservation and transforming the site into a cultural quarter by developing 'heritage gardens' for future generations.

It is estimated the entire project will cost around £2 million, the first £1 million phase involving the restoration of the abbey walls which are overgrown with ivy. In some places the walls are propped up by scaffolding which trust chairman Barrie Baldelli jokes have been there so long they have become an ancient monument in themselves.

Mr Baldelli said: "We don't know what's there. We're digging into the unknown. All of it excites me. One could get carried away by the excitement and speculate until the cows come home about what might be there."

Restoring the grade II listed walls, placed on the English Heritage at risk register, would be a painstaking task involving the use of lime mortar. The walls would be topped with grass to absorb rainwater and conserve the stone with guidance laid out by Historic English.

The second phase would involve a comprehensive archaeological investigation and the third phase would be the creation of the gardens, marking the boundaries of the abbey cloisters and nave.

A bid is due to be submitted next month for Heritage Lottery funding of £1 million.

The hope from trustees is that, if the money is awarded in the summer, they can begin the work next March.

Trustees also hope to secure £75,000 from the New Homes Bonus.

The abbey was founded during the Anglo-Saxon period in the year 709AD, lasting through the Middle Ages until the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The abbey finally surrendered to the king in 1540 when the abbey was plundered and demolished, its buildings quarried for stone, the remains of which are still scattered across the town.

Evesham Abbey was central to many historic national events. Lady Godiva and her husband Earl Leofric were patrons of the abbey and other Evesham churches.

The abbey's founder Saint Egwin was buried within the precincts of the Anglo-Saxon abbey church and his grave became a place of pilgrimage and venerated as a site of miracles.

Simon de Montfort was buried within the precincts of Evesham Abbey following his death at the Battle of Evesham.

Recognised as one of the founders of parliamentary democracy Simon de Montfort stayed overnight at the Abbey prior to that fateful battle.

Stan Brotherton, the treasurer of the trust, said it was possible that any dig may uncover Romano-British remains.

He said: "It is the ancient, secret heart of the town. Since the Dissolution it has been largely untouched. The abbey represents the start of Evesham."

Steve Davies, one of the trustees, hopes the project will provide an opportunity for schools and colleges to become involved, including school projects and the chance to volunteer.

He said: "The exciting bit for me is the community involvement."

Other trustees involved include Anthony Haugh, Rodney Kalwaites and Michael Owen.

Shawn Riley, inward investment manager with Wychavon District Council, said: "They are making Evesham Abbey accessible which really helps people to understand why Evesham was so significant all those years ago."

For more information visit www.eveshamabbey.org.uk