With a history stretching over almost 900 years Tewkesbury Abbey is one of the largest parish churches in the country. The present building was consecrated in 1121 and continues to be a parish church for Tewkesbury because it was purchased from Henry VIII's commissioners in 1540 for the then huge sum of £453. The Abbey has seen many changes over 900 years and continues to evolve as a living parish church for Tewkesbury. We welcome everyone regardless of faith or no faith and hope that, whether you visit for a service or to see our architecture and history, your visit will bring refreshment to body, mind and spirit.