A project to uncover some of Abingdon’s past has been helped by a bumper donation.

The £49,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant given to the Friends of Abbey Gardens — a local history group — will help to find out more about the historical importance of the gardens during medieval times.

During the coming months, geophysical surveys will be carried out in the Abbey Gardens and Barton Court, with opportunities for members of the public to take part.

A heritage trail will be created from the Abbey buildings along the mill stream to Barton Court and the Abbey fishponds.

The money will also pay for new information boards, a booklet on the history of the Abbey and an education pack to encourage schools to visit the site.

This will be helped by funds donated by Abingdon Joint Environmental Trust and by the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Michelle Davies, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said: “This project will involve the local community in researching little known aspects of Abingdon's medieval history which will be of interest to residents and visitors alike.”

The Rev Peter Doll, of the Friends of Abbey Gardens, said: “The Abbey is one of the greatest of Abingdon's lost treasures.

“This grant will enable us to bring together the wealth of information available to put the Abbey back on the map of the town.”

To find out more about the Friends of Abbey Gardens, call Mary Lambe at the district council on 01235 540344.