Exhibition: Abingdon's Historic Buildings - Lost, Recorded and Understood
The Guildhall, Roysse Court, Bridge Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3HU
Every town has lost important buildings over the centuries and Abingdon is no exception. Some, like the Abbey, were lost through religious turmoil, others like Fitzharrys Manor were demolished for much needed post war housing. We feature some of the lost structures and in the same exhibition we will also look at the photographic record made during the second World War of the historic and cultural monuments of Abingdon, most of which still stand. And if you have ever had a thirst to understand architectural fashions and designs, we help you “read a building.”
The exhibition is in the Guildhall - one of Abingdon's most important historic buildings and visitors on the Saturday will also be able to explore some of its historic rooms. The oldest part is the medieval L-shaped Hospital of St John, originally part of the Abbey complex, probably dating from the 12th century, but much altered over the years. The part facing St Nicholas’ Church was the hospital chapel and the southern wing became the schoolroom for John Roysse’s grammar school, established in 1563, which remained there till Victorian times and is the venue for our exhibition.
Saturday visitors can see the Old Magistrates Court which still has the bench and dock which were in use till the late 20thC; climb the 18thC carved staircase to the Council Chamber, with its important historical portraits; continue to the Bear Room to discover its intriguing history and finally to the Abbey Room - once used as a prison!
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 10.00 - 16.00
- Sunday 14 September:
- 10.00 - 16.00
Location & directions
The Guildhall, Roysse Court, Bridge Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3HU
- Directions:
- There is no parking at the venue but several public car parks nearby.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The Exhibition is fully wheelchair accessible as is the Old Magistrates Court. Sadly, the other historic Guildhall Rooms are only accessible by stairs.
