Tewkesbury has one of the most extensive medieval streetscapes in England. Boxed in by the rivers Avon and Severn, the medieval town grew into a web of tightly-packed narrow alleyways running between half-timbered houses, many at least three stories high. Of the original 90 alleys, 30 remain, most branching out from the high street. These were once rubbish dumps and open drains combined, and disease was endemic. Today, these dark dank passages give visitors an insight into life in medieval England.