DOORS to Abingdon’s past will soon creak open – but for one weekend only.

Members of the public will be able to peek into the town’s history on September 14 and 15 at Abingdon Heritage open day.

Historic houses opening their doors include Christ’s Hospital Hall, built in 1446, 15th Century St Ethelwold’s House and 13th Century buildings of the Abbey.

There will also be walks, talks and cruises, allowing people to see the town from the river as settlers in the area would first have seen it in times gone by.

Co-ordinator Alastair Fear said: “The weekend showcases our rich cultural history by allowing visitors free access to buildings that are not usually open or normally charge an entrance fee.

“Heritage Weekend is organised by local people with a desire to share their knowledge and their historic homes and places of work, with residents and visitors to the town.

“I just like putting myself in the past, imagining what it was like to live back then.”

One of his top recommendations was 26a East St Helen’s Street – a Medieval Town House which still contains 16th Century wall paintings from an era before wallpaper.

For the past 14 years the Heritage Days have attracted hundreds of visitors over the weekend, and this year 17 buildings will be accessible.

At Abingdon County Hall Museum on Saturday, volunteers will be giving five-minute talks on their specialist subjects.

History buff Ruth Weinberg, an Abingdon resident, will be telling the story of the County Hall’s gas engines and pumps, which were built during a national drought in 1902 to increase water pressure throughout the town.

  • More information will be available both days in Abingdon Market Place, or to check out properties before the day visit abingdonheritage.co.uk