Malvern History

Great Malvern Priory was a Benedictine monastery from about 1075 to 1540. The building has been added to over the years. The church boasts some wonderful stained glass windows and architecture.
There is more information about the church and events which are held there at http://www.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk.

The Abbey Gatehouse was originally part of the monastery. It had large gates and visitors could be seen through a small opening in the wall of the gateway and allowed or refused entrance accordingly. It had an extension built on the side of it in 1891. Over the years it was used as a court, shop, offices and living accommodation.
It now houses Malvern Museum which is open from Easter to the end of October each year. The museum comprises five rooms which are dedicated to showing the history of the hills, medieval times, the Malvern water cure, victorian history and twentieth century events. More information can be found at http://www.malvernmuseum.co.uk.

The Assembly Rooms (now the Theatre complex) were built in 1884 overlooking Priory Park. They were designed to look like a miniature Crystal Palace. Plays, concerts, lectures and penny readings were held here. In 1923 the Picture House was added and in 1924, when the Malvern council purchased the property, they converted it into a theatre and a ballroom. The first Malvern Festival was held in 1929.
It was refurbished in 1997 and now houses two bars, a restaurant, two theatres and a cinema. It attracts big names in the world of theatre, ballet, dance and opera and has a full programme all-year round.
More information about what's on can be found at
http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/.

The Malvern Hills also have a rich history. Read more about them in the hills section.

Perched on the side, overlooking Great Malvern is St Ann's Well, which houses one of the many springs around the hills. The building around the well was built in 1815 and the water from the spring was an important part of the Water Cure. There is a lovely cafe there as well now which is a nice resting place on your walk along the hills. Serving vegetarian and vegan meals, snacks, cakes and teas, there is also the chance to taste the fresh spring water.
For more information about opening times and location go to http://www.hillsarts.co.uk/stannswell/.