ONE of Abingdon’s best known historians has died, aged 80.

Mieneke Cox, who passed away last month, was born in Holland in 1928 where she studied history at the University of Utrecht.

She met her future husband, George, on a walking holiday in the Lake District.

After marrying, she settled down in Abingdon, where her interest in history was rekindled by the vicar of St Helen’s Church, the Rev John Dixon, who granted her access to the church’s archives.

This led to the publication of her guide to St Helen’s Church in 1965.

The vicar also introduced her to the historian Gabrielle Lambrick.

Both were present in 1968 at the inaugural meeting of the Abingdon and District Archaeological Society.

Following Mrs Lambrick’s death in 1968, Mrs Cox was invited to arrange the first of many courses in local history.

From 1970-74, she was curator of Abingdon Museum.

In addition to working at the museum, her position as St Helen’s archivist and looking after three young children, she found time to continue with her research, publishing Abingdon — Abbey to Borough in 1974.

This was the first of many successful titles, including the four volumes of The Story of Abingdon – the first substantial history of the town since 1910.

Mrs Cox was already an honorary vice-president of the Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society when her outstanding contribution to our knowledge of the town was recognised in 1997 by the presentation of a Mayor’s Award.

Even in retirement, she continued to lend her knowledge and experience via the local history group to any member who sought it.

Archaeological Society archivist Jackie Smith said: “Most of the people interested in local history in Abingdon were probably introduced to it through one of her evening classes.

“She was still active behind the scenes, even in recent years when her health was not as good.

“She was forthright, strong-minded, and very much wanted Abingdon’s records to stay within the town, which they have.”

Mrs Cox is survived by her three children, Pieter, Johanna and Paul. Her husband George died in May 2008.

Her funeral took place at St Helen’s Church on Friday, January 15.