Alongside a generous donation from the Vale of Evesham Historical Society of £1000, our fundraising is going from strength to strength. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. For more details on how you can support us, please visit our website www.almonryevesham.org/restoring-th...

Did you know that Simon's image appears in a series of relief portraits above the gallery doors of the House Chamber in the US Capitol?

Simon is often referred to as the father of modern parliament, advocating for representation of the towns and shires in parliament. His parliament of 1264 included knights, bishops, knights , town citizens and representatives of the Cinque Ports, a first for an English Parliament.

Simon was buried at Evesham Abbey and Evesham became a focus for pilgrimage as miracles began to occur in his name, although he was never formally recognised as a Saint. The cult that built around Simon became so strong that Henry III had Simon's body moved to an unknown location to deter pilgrims.

On that day, the forces of Simon De Montfort, Earl of Leicester faced Prince Edward's army and a bloody battle ensued that brought about the end of Simon in a very gruesome manner. Simon's body was mutilated, his head was claimed by Roger Mortimer and sent to Wigmore Castle as a gift for his wife!

While town charters are not uncommon, our charter bears the signature of Prince Henry. The Charter is 6 pages long and is heavily decorated with flowers and symbols relating to the town and its Royal patronage.

The Charter was granted by James I at the request of Prince Henry his eldest son. The Prince’s chaplain, Dr Lewis Bayley, also a vicar of Evesham, was a favourite of the Prince’s and that it was on Bayley’s persuasion that the charter be granted.

The knife's long blade makes cutting the Asparagus easier and the Gras Box is used to ties 'Rounds of Gras' for market. There's a great video on the Visit Evesham FB page of Diana Raphael demonstrating the Gras Box. https://buff.ly/4g4sfrE

We have the legend of Eof the Swineherd, who lost a pig and while searching for it, saw a vision of the Virgin. The pigs are immortalised in a statue in town

and Tesco too, but apparently it's for a limited time, better get stocked up

I saw some in B&M at the weekend and I think Sainsburys sell it too!

You can still get Top Deck!