The Archaeological and Historical Group’s new season of talks began on the 6th October with a fascinating presentation by Godfrey Cole, Vice-Chair of the Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust. He described the buildings’ history, their preservation, and plans for the future to ensure they continue to serve a valuable function.
Abingdon has had a minster on the site since at least 700AD, while the Abbey itself became established after the Norman conquest. By the time of the Act of Supremacy in 1534, it was the 6th-largest in England and owned many properties.
Most of the buildings have now disappeared, with some just having been outlined in brick, although a few remain: the Tudor Cottage (16th-17th century), the Checker Building, with a fine undercroft (13th century) and the Long Gallery, with some early painted plaster and later graffiti (1455). The Cottage currently houses the Trust’s offices. The Checker was originally a granary, then was used for accommodation and is now a theatre. The Long Gallery, also, has been used for accommodation and as a brewery.
The Trust is pursuing a conservation and restoration programme to safeguard the buildings. It is also aiding accessibility through installing a lift and level access, and encouraging year-round use by improving heating and insulation. This ambitious project has been helped by a £4 million Heritage Lottery grant.