Abingdon (From Oxford Mail)

Abingdon

1:40pm Tuesday 2nd September 2008

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Abingdon was a flourishing town as long ago as the Roman period, and later became a Saxon settlement. It is believed that the name comes from a Benedictine monastery called Abbandun, meaning Hill of Ebba. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1538, Abingdon Abbey was the sixth richest in Britain.

Abingdon used to be part of Berkshire, but became part of Oxfordshire after local government changes in 1974.

Now Abingdon has the atmosphere of a thriving market town, with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants, and a strong interest in morris dancing.

The Monday market began in 1556 and is still going today.

Two of the main roads into Abingdon cross rivers — the Thames and the Ock. Abingdon used to be a key town for canal transport, but this stopped in the early 20th century as the canal sides collapsed and the railway took its place. Abingdon Station closed in 1963 and has never re-opened, but the town is accessible by road, as it is within easy reach of both the M40 and the M4.

The waterways in Abingdon are prized for their attractiveness and for activities like angling and pleasure cruises.

PLACES TO GO

Abingdon Museum: County Hall, Market Place. Home of the Southern Arts Collection of Contemporary Craftwork, which can be seen by appointment. Open 10.30am to 4pm every day including weekends, but ring ahead and check for bank holidays. 01235 523703 Abbey Buildings: Visit the main remaining buildings of Abingdon Abbey. Open 2pm to 4pm, from April 1 to September 30, every day except Mondays. 01235 525339 Whitehorse Leisure and Tennis Centre: Audlett Drive. Facilities include a gym, aerobic studios, squash courts, indoor five-a-side football, badminton, netball, basketball and bowls, an eight-lane competition pool, teaching pool and toddler pool, sauna and steam rooms. For more information, prices and opening times, call 01235 540700 or visit the website: www.whltc.co.uk

USEFUL INFORMATION

Post offices: 25 High Street, 2-4 Exbourne Road, 3 Reynolds Way and 39 Northcourt Road.

Information centre: Bridge Street, 01235 522711.

Abingdon Town Council: The Old Abbey House, Abbey Close, Abingdon, 01235 522642, www.abingdon.gov.uk Newspapers: The Abingdon Herald, every Thursday, 40p, Oxford Mail, daily, 35p. The Oxford Times, every Friday, 80p. Website: www.heraldseries.co.uk

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