Oddo and Doddo The grand finale of our summer visits was a - what a cute double-act! wonderful trip to Tewkesbury Abbey

shown as brothers (although they The East Front, flanked by two magnificent Copper Beeches lived 300 years apart) they are credited with being the Saxon founders of the first Tewkesbury Abbey. Each knight is in armour and holds a model church. It was actually Doddo who built the first church in 715, on the place where Theokus the hermit had dwelt

Net vaulting surrounding the Sun Looking west, the mighty The stained glass and lierne in Splendour, the emblem of the Norman drum pillars lining vaulting above the high altar, first Yorkist King of England, the aisle and supporting the pre date 1440 Edward IV nave vault High in the Tower, originally, the Lantern Chamber allowed light into the abbey - before being floored and glazed

As part of the Victorian restoration that began in 1875, Sir George Gilbert Scott repaved the whole of the chancel floor. The tiles were specially made by Godwin, in the medieval style. Mostly in red and yellow, they incorporate the coats of arms of notables connected with the Abbey. Considerable care was taken Quire and early C17th. to ensure the authenticity of the Jacobean ‘Milton’ organ - heraldry. Included are the arms of reputedly played by poet both Prince Edward, who was killed John Milton during at the battle of Tewkesbury and his Cromwell’s Commonwealth enemy the Duke of Clarence.

Looking down from the top of the tower: Above: Chevet of Chapels off the ambulatory

Right: View of the town, including the row of C14th. cottages plus, a tower water shoot full of leftovers from the nesting Peregrine Falcons!