Following a query about the history of Pulpit House and Old Mast House — now both up for sale — here is a summary based on information from a booklet called ‘Over 300 Years of Living History.’
In 1700, Abingdon’s Congregationalists built their first modest church near the Square. In 1862, the church was enlarged, incorporating 18 feet of the original 1700 building into the new construction. The church grounds were then enclosed by iron railings, as shown in the etching below.
By 1966, the Congregationalists joined with Trinity Church and vacated the old church.
The original church building in the Square faced planning delays — at that time, the A34 ran along High Street and Ock Street, making access and parking difficult. The building was used variously as an arts centre and even for skateboarding before its eventual sale in 1980.
It was later converted into offices for a marketing company, which received a design award from the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) in 1987. The company moved out some time before 2006. In 2008, Ask Restaurant moved in and continues to operate there today.
