Things to do in Abingdon, Oxfordshire
It shrouds buildings and church spires and when illuminated by the shimmering lights of a winter evening a visitor can be forgiven for thinking he was transported back in time.
It is reported that many historical figures have visited Abingdon, including William the Conqueror, Cromwell, Samuel Pepys and Prince William of Orange.
Though sadly boarded up it is a wonderfully evocative structure and requires only a small leap of the imagination to sense ghostly voices bemoaning their fate. It housed all prisoners for Berkshire until it was closed in 1869.
This housed the Berkshire Assize courts and witnessed many important criminal trials. It now houses Abingdon Museum.
There are many interesting shops and cafes located round the pedestrian square and there is a regular Monday market that has been established since before 1328.
In May 1644 the Roundheads were stationed in Abingdon. Prince Rupert's men in Oxford attacked many times but the Roundheads resisted until March 1646. Cromwell visited Abingdon in 1645.
This house contains medieval windows, fireplaces and wall paintings and is well worth booking a visit.
He rested one frosty night in December 1685 in the house of Thomas Medleycott and a blue plaque outside his house commemorates this.
Perhaps he took a look at the nearby Long Alley Almshouses built in 1446 by the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. He may even have been moved to give alms here as did Samuel Pepys.
Brewing and MG cars were once two of the towns biggest industries, the ale named after an MG van which used to dart round the brewery like an…old speckled hen!
Passing under this gives a view of the few remaining original structures of the Abbey where it is said William the Conqueror celebrated Easter in 1084.
Description by Trudie Evans
Share this page
Self Catering
Days Out in Abingdon
-
Didcot Railway Centre (4 Miles)*
-
Museum of Oxford (6 Miles)*
-
Museum of the History of Science (6 Miles)*
-
Ashmolean Museum (6 Miles)*
-
Pitt Rivers Museum (6 Miles)*-154x115.jpg)
-
Oxford University Museum Of Natural History (6 Miles)*
-
Vale and Downland Museum and Visitor Centre (8 Miles)*
-
Oxford Bus Museum (11 Miles)*
-
Cogges Manor Farm (11 Miles)*
-
Witney & District Museum (12 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Abingdon
-
Clifton Hampden (4 Miles)*
-
Dorchester (5 Miles)*
-
Oxford (6 Miles)*
-
Wantage (7 Miles)*
-
Wallingford (8 Miles)*
-
Great Milton (9 Miles)*
-
Letcombe Regis (10 Miles)*
-
Letcombe Bassett (10 Miles)*
-
Woodstock (12 Miles)*
-
Bucklebury (16 Miles)*
Also near Abingdon |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||