A HISTORY group has published a book to celebrate the life of a well-known Abingdon author.

Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society (AAAHS) compiled it to honour Mieneke Cox, who died two years ago.

The book consists of lectures given by local historians during an event in memory of Mrs Cox, held at St Helen’s Church in October last year.

AAAHS chairman Roger Thomas said: “Mieneke was a very well known and much loved local historian.

“We wanted to do the book to commemorate and celebrate her life and her contribution to local history in Abingdon.

“It is a kind of permanent memorial.”

Mr Thomas said members had enjoyed putting the book together, adding: “It was quite a lot of work and it took a bit longer than we had hoped, but it is done and it looks great.”

Celebrating Abingdon’s History – Studies of Abingdon in Honour of Mieneke Cox includes the history of Abingdon Abbey, Christ’s Hospital, St Helen’s Church and Abingdon Museum.

Archivist Jackie Smith, who has been a member of the society since 1969, said Mrs Cox was passionate about the town.

She said: “She saw the history of the town as her life’s work. We felt this would be a fitting memorial to her.

“I hope she would approve of it. What we have tried to do is look at strands of the town’s history she was interested in.”

The book, priced £7.99, is on sale at Mostly Books in Stert Street and The Bookstore, Bury Street Precinct.

Mostly Books owner Mark Thornton said he had already ordered more copies, adding: “It has been selling really well.

“A lot of people always want to know about the history of Abingdon as it is such a long history.”

The group is hoping to officially launch the book at Abingdon Library in November.

Mieneke Cox died in December 2009, aged 80.

She was born in Holland in 1928 and studied history at the University of Utrecht.

Mrs Cox published her guide to St Helen’s Church in 1965 and Abingdon — Abbey to Borough in 1974.

She also wrote four volumes of The Story of Abingdon. She was the curator at the Abingdon Museum from 1970-74.

Her contribution to the town was recognised in 1997 when she was presented with a Mayor’s Award.