Exciting news for history lovers and heritage enthusiasts!
Tavistock Town Council and Tavistock Heritage Trust have officially applied for a £250,000 grant from the
National Lottery Heritage Fund to launch an ambitious project: Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey.
If successful, this funding will help us unlock the secrets of Tavistock’s Benedictine past and bring its incredible history to life for future generations.
Restoring Tavistock’s Historic Landmarks
Tavistock Abbey, founded in AD 974, was once the wealthiest religious institution in
Devon. Although the Abbey itself was largely dismantled following the dissolution of
the monasteries in 1539, its remnants are still woven into the fabric of the town.
This project aims to secure crucial funding to:
Restore Historic Structures – Key landmarks like Betsy Grimbal’s Tower and the
Stillhouse (located in the Bedford Hotel garden) will be repaired and conserved,
ensuring their survival for years to come. Additionally, the abbey artifacts housed
within the archway of Betsy Grimbal’s Tower will be carefully preserved.
Uncover Tavistock Abbey’s Footprint – Archaeologists will conduct surveys to
locate the original layout of the abbey’s key buildings, including the church and
chapterhouse.
Excavate the Past – A deeper archaeological investigation will help establish the
chronology of the Abbey’s construction, locate its original floor level, and uncover
lost foundations.
Expand Historical Research – A dedicated research initiative will dive into the
Abbey’s archives, its lands, and its influence on the town, culminating in a published
report.
Create an Immersive Experience – A new interpretation display will be designed to
visually reconstruct the Abbey as it once stood, allowing visitors to step back in time
and see history come alive.
Getting the Community Involved
Heritage is not just about the past—it’s about people coming together to
rediscover and celebrate history. This project offers plenty of opportunities for local
residents to get involved, including:
Hands-on Archaeology – Supervised archaeological digs will allow volunteers of all
ages to help uncover Tavistock’s hidden past.
Traditional Building Skills – On-site training sessions will be offered to local
contractors and residents, teaching the best practices in historic building
conservation.
Exciting Public Events – To bring history to life, a series of unique activities will be
held, including:
Building and sailing model Viking ships in tribute to the Abbey’s destruction by
Danish raiders in AD 997.
A public call for lost artifacts – Residents are encouraged to check their gardens
and walls for repurposed Abbey masonry.
A Vision for the Future
“This project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rediscover Tavistock’s hidden
heritage,” says Bill Horner, Historic Environment Manager and County Archaeologist,
Devon County Council.
Dr. Geri Parlby, Chair of Tavistock Heritage Trust commented: “By bringing together
experts, volunteers, and the wider community, we aim to celebrate and safeguard
this remarkable history for years to come.”
Tavistock Town Mayor Cllr Paul Ward added:
" I warmly welcome this project which seeks to discover more about the abbey’s history and
determine the abbey’s layout. It will preserve the remaining buildings, and develop an
educational resource for everyone. The project exemplifies the importance of partnership
working. Tavistock Heritage Trust will manage the heritage and educational aspects and
Tavistock Town Council will lead on building preservation and the management of grant
funding. This is an exciting development that will further cement Tavistock’s status as one of
the leading heritage towns in Devon, and the only one with UNESCO World Heritage Site
status.”
Pending approval of the grant, work on Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey is expected
to begin later this year
This is your chance to be a part of something truly special—whether it’s by picking
up a trowel, attending a workshop, or simply spreading the word.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this incredible journey to rediscover
Tavistock Abbey!
Or fill in our contact form putting "Abbey Project" in the subject line to register your interest.
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