All Saints is the parish church of Evesham and, together with its bell tower and St Lawrence church, represent the last complete structures from the foundation of Evesham Abbey. Evesham Abbey was founded on the site of a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the swineherd Eof, subsequently endorsed by Egwin, the third Bishop of Worcester (639 – 717). The Abbey was founded circa 709 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. *
The two churches of All Saints and St Lawrence share the same churchyard. Both were founded in the late 12th century as parish churches for the growing medieval town. When they were built these two churches stood in the shadow of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Egwin (comparable in size with Gloucester Cathedral). **
*Information from a signboard next to All Saints church
**Information from A guide to the Parish Church of All Saints Evesham (Stan Brotherton)
What a lovely church – I don’t know Evesham very well although we did stop off there a few years ago when we were doing the Blossom Trail.
It is well worth a visit. We will be back to see the things we missed on this occasion.
Such a beautiful place!
Reminded me of Stamford in Lincolnshire.
I have not been to Stamford.
Beautiful photos! How interesting that two churches share one churchyard (and that there was once a much bigger church there too!)
Yes, the history is really interesting. I hope to go back and visit the church that was closed.