Heritage Lottery Fund supports Victorian revival By Gordon Rogers

Abingdon Reporter RESTORATION plans for one of Abingdon's oldest public parks have been given a £826,000 boost by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A 125-year-old Ordnance Survey map is being used as the template for the £1.2m scheme that will return the Abbey Grounds -- the site of the old Abingdon Abbey -- to their original layout as a Victorian landscaped garden.

The initial stage involves creating a new children's play area in Abbey Meadows to replace the existing one in Abbey Grounds. It should be ready early next summer.

The transformation of the area, including recreating a lake, will take about three years.

The design is based on the first edition Ordnance Survey Plan of 1877, and revives key elements of the original garden and Victorian bedding layout.

The path in the Italian walk will be resurfaced, paths in the rock garden reinstated and a water feature restored.

The plan for the folly ruins follow the original, but metal railings will be installed.

The chestnut walk will be put back, leading to an ornamental water feature.

The Heritage Lottery Fund's South East manager, Tessa Hilder, said: "The Abbey Grounds is an important attraction.

"This grant will ensure that the park's greatest features are restored at the same time improving access and safety."

District councillor and executive member Jerry Patterson said: "What we will see here is the recreation of a Victorian garden.

Decay

"The Victorians and Edwardians left this country a wealth of heritage, but many municipal parks have been allowed to decay.

"This scheme will see the Abbey Grounds restored to their former splendour.

"This is going to be a wonderful asset for Abingdon and all those people who visit the town."

The landscape manager for the district council, Mary Lambe, said the grant would help preserve an ancient part of Abingdon.

She added: "This area is a scheduled ancient monument and every stage of the redevelopment must win the approval of English Heritage.

"That is one of the reasons why the project will be done in stages."

New information boards will be put up and at certain times of the year visitors will be able to see where the Abbey once stood, when its layout is marked out on the lawns.

The Vale of White Horse District Council is spending £389,000 on the project.

abingdon@nqo.com

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*** I believe there is a map or artists impressn of the proposals with library.