The new stain glass windows in the chapel in Abingdon School were on view at Heritage Open Day for the first time.

The Town Crier called from the roof of the County Hall for the first time to check if he could be heard.

There seemed to be more houses open in East St Helen Street than ever, and more houses had their histories in their front window.

60 East St Helen Street and Twickenham House opened their doors for the first time for Heritage Open Day.

The weather was just about perfect

It was a chance to see new views not seen before  of Abingdon.

In the Old Abbey Buildings a new Time Line showing the history of Abingdon Abbey has just been unveiled.

It is part of the Lost Abbey of Abingdon project that has brought together the skills and knowledge of a number of leading local historians. Together at the opening were members of the Lost Abbey Project some of whom used to work for the Vale of White Horse District Council, before being let go, some are from Abingdon and Area Archaeological and Historical Society, and the timeline is hosted by the Friends of Abingdon.

Back in the middle ages the impending end of the world was a hot topic. Some believed it would occur during the 13th century. The date was first put at 1260, and then revised when that date came and went.

This illustrated manuscript in the British Library, in London, dates from that time of excitement in the 13th Century. I am not sure where the manuscript was created but it is called The Abingdon Apocalypse because of a note on the fly leaf first in French then translated into English which is supposed to say “This book is loaned to Dame Joan, by the grace of God Queen of Scotland by the abbot and convent of Abingdon… .’

The complete manuscript is at the British Museum in London. To see some apocalyptic illustrations follow this link and look around … The Abingdon Apocalypse .

After work today I went sightseeing in Millwall.

Millwall is best known to me at least for the Football Club, Millwall F.C. who now play in Bermondsey and have not played in Millwall for some time.

But if you look on the bus map of Millwall above, you will see the purpose of my visit – to view St Edmund’s School and Church, and a statue – in honour of St Edmund Rich of Abingdon.

My first view of the church was a little disconcerting. The notice on the property alongside says “DANGER – ANTI CLIMBING DEVICE – Treated with Anthrax.” Then I read the small print … “and a dose of British sense of humour.”

I am not sure how a church in Millwall, Isle of Dogs, London has managed to get such a superb memorial to St Edmund of Abingdon.

A church called St Edmund’s was opened in Millwall in August 1875, replacing a church called St Edward’s.

The current building looks a far more recent addition. So having done my sight seeing and not been able to explain the association with St Edmund of Abingdon I returned to Mudchute Station on the The Docklands Light Railway to return from whence I came. By the way – the Mudchute in question was a huge pile created when Millwall Dock was dug out in 1860.