Oral History Archive
This archive is a unique collection of recordings which document the lives of individuals who have lived in or been responsible for the upkeep of the Abbey Lawn Cottages over the past few decades.
Recording began in 2010, as part of a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to interpret the history of Number 45, better known as The Merchant’s House.
The Abbey Lawn Cottages are a unique row of 15th century timber framed buildings which have provided living accommodation and business premises for Tewkesbury residents since they were first built in c. 1480.
With wonderful tales to tell, some hilarious, some poignant but all captivating, this archive has captured living voices from the present for future generations.
To make it easier for you to access our recordings, we have grouped them into two categories which look at life in the row before and after the restoration in the late 1960s.
Life before the restoration
In the 1940s, the Abbey Lawn Cottages boasted an enviable sense of community spirit. Listening to the stories of former residents from this era allows you a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people growing up in an extraordinary row of buildings. You can listen to these recordings by clicking the orange arrows below.
1. Barbara & Peter Wagstaff - 46 Church Street
2. David Wathen - 47 Church Street
3. Roger & Peter Packwood - 41 Church Street
4. Elizabeth (Betty) Harvey - 50 Church Street
(NB – ‘Brown’s House’ which Betty refers to early in the interview, originally stood in the Crescent, at the end of the row of medieval cottages. It was demolished around the time that the cottages were restored)
The 1970s onwards
How were the cottages saved from demolition? What is it like to live in such a historic row of buildings during the restoration? Use our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects to discover even more audio recordings about the terrace throughout the years.
Listen Here
Below are a selection of readings from John’s books by his wife Lucile and others (some notable names in conservation) with a fondness for his work. The recordings are all live and some are a little raw, but we think John would have enjoyed the authenticity of a real reading. All you need do is click on the reading you fancy and relax.
If you would like to listen to more snippets from John Moore’s works, then please take a look at our Bloomberg Connects Digital Guide, which you can access with the QR code below.
