Reenactors' medieval pilgrimage to save Evesham Almonry

Clive Emerson and Matt Cloverleaf are going to recreate part of an historic walk to raise money for the Almonry

The pair will be undertaking the final part of a Robert de Vere’s pilgrimage from Essex to Evesham in 1273.

Mr Emerson said: “We’re planning on walking from Tewkesbury Abbey to Evesham’s Almonry over Easter weekend, in 13th century clothing and boots following as much as possible the latter part of a route used by Robert De Vere, Earl of Oxford in 1273, when he made a pilgrimage to Evesham.

“We’re hoping to help raise some money towards the urgent and extensive repair that the building needs.”

The pair will be completing the walk in full 13th century attire

According to legend, Evesham Abbey was founded because of the Virgin Mary, which would have made the town an important site for pilgrims to visit.

The Abbey also held relics of other saints and was the focus of the Cult of Simon de Montfort that grew following his death at the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

In 2016, Historic England placed the Almonry, once part of the Abbey, on the Heritage at Risk Register.

Last year, the Almonry received funding from Historic England via the Culture Recovery Fund to pay for surveys on the fabric of the building. 

The reports showed that to preserve the Almonry, a full restoration is required. 

Alongside the restoration there will be a refurbishment of the museum, gift shop and Tourist Information Centre.

The Almonry is in need of a full restoration with work expected to cost more than £2 million

In total, the work will cost at least £2 million, and so the Almonry will be applying to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant.

Manager of the Almonry, Ashleigh Jayes, said: “As part of our commitment to the project we will need to fundraise and match fund any grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Over the next few years we will be looking for different ways to fundraise and support this important project so we can restore and preserve the Almonry for the next 600 years.”

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