VISITOR numbers have nearly doubled after a town museum went free-to-enter.

The Almonry, a 15th-century museum, made the move in August following the discovery that Evesham Town Council would have to pay nearly half a million pounds in VAT if not. 

It comes as the building was granted £2.1 million for "essential repairs and restoration" that will take place over the next few years. 

During an Evesham Town Council meeting on Monday (October 14) it was revealed that since August 1 visitor numbers have increased by 75%, the museum has had 7x its usual donations and shop sales were up 20% from the same period last year.

Almonry manager Ashleigh Jayes said: "It's fantastic and great news. 

"It is much higher than we had anticipated and it has been great to welcome so many people from the community and further afield to The Almonry particularly since we are on the verge of starting our restoration.

"It's great to get people in and to get them to explore our collection and fall in love with the building. 

"Donations have been outstanding and people have been donating every spare penny so thank you. 

"Throughout August and September we welcomed over 1,600 guests. 

"In the same period last year we had under 1,000, it has been increasing but it's been good to see."

The Almonry, two churches, bell tower and cloister arch are all that remain of what was reportedly the third-largest abbey in England.

This early 15th century building was once home to the Almoner, one of the monks from the Benedictine Abbey that was founded at Evesham in the 8th Century.

It houses an eclectic collection that spans from the prehistoric to the 20th Century.

The museum is displayed over two floors and the garden: the emphasis is on how Evesham has developed and grown over time.

There are exhibitions about the Abbey, the battle of Evesham in 1265, horticulture in the area, Archaeology and fossils and a Victorian school room.

Miss Jayes continued: "Going free has removed a barrier and a lot of new people have come and visited us. 

"Obviously we get a lot of tourists because we are the first point of contact but whereas before they wouldn't enter, now they are seeing it's free and nip in which is great for us.

"We will continue to be free for a couple of years, but after that it is not my decision, it will be up to the town council to re-evaluate.

It previously cost £5 to enter The Almonry but has been free to enter from August 1.