Abbey Gatehouse, Tewkesbury facts for kids
The Abbey Gatehouse is a special old building. It stands at the entrance to Tewkesbury Abbey in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England. This gatehouse is very important. It is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it is one of the most important historic buildings in the country.
Contents
The Abbey Gatehouse: A Historic Entrance
The Abbey Gatehouse was built around the year 1500. It was made from strong, cut stone blocks. Inside, it has one large room on the upper floor. You can reach this room by climbing a narrow, winding staircase.
A Look Back: Its History
The gatehouse has seen many changes over the centuries. It has a rich history, from its early days to its current use.
From Building to Ruin
The gatehouse was built to serve Tewkesbury Abbey. It managed to survive a big event in 1540. This was when many old religious buildings in England were closed down. However, by the early 1800s, the building was in bad shape. It was falling apart and abandoned.
A New Beginning: Restoration
In 1849, the gatehouse found a new helper. Its owner at the time was John Martin. He was a Member of Parliament for Tewkesbury. Mr. Martin hired a local architect named James Medland. Together, they worked to fix up the gatehouse. It was fully restored and looked new again.
Modern Use: A Holiday Home
In the 1900s, the building was used for different church activities. But it was hard to get to the upper room. This made it difficult to use the building fully. In 1986, a special agreement was made. The Landmark Trust took over the gatehouse. This group works to save historic buildings. They fixed up the gatehouse and protected it. Now, it is used as a place for people to stay on holiday.
