Tewkesbury is said to have had time stand still for 150 years thus preserving its medieval charm and layout for present day. It is like a living museum of social and architectural history covering over 500 years. Its medieval character is so well preserved that the Council of British Archeology listed in with 56 other towns in 1964 that should have national attention to continue to preserve it. Tewkesbury is a highly recommended tourist destination that is a must see above all else in the northern Cotswolds. The visit will produce a multitude of memorabilia that your family enjoy forever.

This ancient town is located where the Severn and Avon rivers meet. The town has been limited in its expansion by the rivers and flood plain that surround it. This lack of growth is what has given the town the ability to preserve its medieval history. The presents of it half-timbered Tudor buildings, overhanging upper stories and ornately carved doorways make the town one of the best medieval towns that England has to offer.

There are many historical buildings including the Bell Inn. The Bell is said to have wood from the 13th century still part of its construction. The paintings on the walls in the dinning room are from the time. Nearly as old is the Royal Hop Pole that is from the 14th century. The Hop Pole was part of in "The Pickwick Papers" by Charles Dickens.

While there are not a lot of real attractions in the town it is a great place to walk through and enjoy this historical architecture and look at it medieval alleyways where the eves of the crooked wooden building nearly touch. One of these lead to a 17th century church called the Old Baptist Chapel that has been restored to its half wood building and furnished with furnishing from the medieval times.

Except for a playground in a corner the green fields beside the Abbey of Tewkesbury are empty. Where the children play was once a blood soaked battle field covered with fighting. It is known as the Bloody Meadow because in 1471 Edward IV's armies fought with those lead by the Duke of Somerset sent by the Queen Margaret. It proved to be a great victory for Edward and a deep wound for the Lancastrians.

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The Tewkesbury Tourist Board gives comparable information to this page. If you require more information about Tewkesbury, you may be able to obtain it from the Tewkesbury Tourist Board.