Hundreds flocked to visit an historic site in Evesham which reopened following a major restoration.

Evesham Abbey Gardens opened its doors for the first time after a £1.3 million development.

The site had been owned by the Rudge family for 400 years before being gifted to the newly formed Evesham Abbey Trust in 2017.

The trust was set up with the aim of seeing the remains of the town’s 1300-year-old Abbey restored to its rightful place in the history books.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s launch, trust chair Barrie Baldelli said: “The Trust hopes the restoration and interpretive gardens will not only inspire the local residents but will also enhance the tourism experience and contribute to business growth.

“The Trust is particularly proud and thankful for the fantastic contribution made by all our volunteers, without whom the project would never have come to fruition.

“Over the last five years in excess of 100 volunteers and experts have contributed over 8000 hours of free expertise and manpower which if calculated at an hourly rate is worth nearly £100,000.

“A phenomenal contribution by any measure and a testament to their determination and commitment to the project.”

Evesham Journal: The Rudge family gathered to celebrate their gift of the site to Evesham The Rudge family gathered to celebrate their gift of the site to Evesham (Image: Neil Barlow)

In its heyday, Evesham Abbey was over 300 foot high and occupied a space of around 90,000 square feet.

Since the trust was registered as a charity in 2017, work has taken place to restore the Abbey’s historic walls and cloister arch.

Four themed gardens have also been created, interwoven with architectural finds made at the site.

Over the course of the opening weekend (April 22-23) more than 600 people visited the gardens, including Nigel Huddleston MP, the mayor of Evesham Mark Google and Alex Sinton, chair of Wychavon District Council.

Mr Baldelli added: “We have now nearly reached the end of the restoration works of the walls and structures and made significant progress with the gardens.

“With warmer weather, the Trust hopes to complete these works by the end of May or early June to allow full opening to the public.

“This weekend we celebrate the restoration works and introduce the completed sections of the gardens.”

Evesham Journal: EAT chair Barrie Baldelli, Wychavon chair Alex Sinton, EAT vice chair Elizabeth Spencer, Nigel Huddleston MP, and Mayor of Evesham Mark Goodge at the opening ceremonyEAT chair Barrie Baldelli, Wychavon chair Alex Sinton, EAT vice chair Elizabeth Spencer, Nigel Huddleston MP, and Mayor of Evesham Mark Goodge at the opening ceremony (Image: Neil Barlow)