A Glimpse of Abingdon’s Lost Cross

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The Market Cross that once stood in Abingdon’s marketplace was erected in the 1440s by the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. The cross was destroyed by Parliamentarian forces in 1644 for whom it would have been an afront. From 1640, there were acts of parliament  and a parliamentary Committee for the Demolition of Monuments of Superstition and Idolatry which included stain glass windows and Market Crosses.

The original appearance can be guessed from studying the Coventry cross (above), built between 1541 and 1545. The Coventry cross was modelled on its Abingdon counterpart.

The painting, located on the south end of Long Alley Almshouses, is a rough plaster artwork and, according to Agnes Baker, depicts the cross in its altered state, having undergone significant restoration in 1605. Perhaps some of the more risky statues were removed.

The details of the sculptures on the cross are sketchy.  It is believed it featured figures of kings and saints, together with shields, and vanes representing prominent citizens who contributed towards the cross. Behind the cross are Long Alley Almshouses, St Helens Church, a bridge, and other buildings, all of which were constructed with the help of the Guild of the Holy Cross.

Information from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coventry_Cross
Agnes Baker (1963) Fifty-Three Articles (Chapter on Francis Little)
Julie Spraggon (2000) – Puritan Iconoclasm in England 1640-1660

Image of Coventry Cross from The Mirror (1824)

Abingdon Marathon 2024

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Despite the cancellation of the Great South Run in Portsmouth due to stormy weather, the 40th Abingdon Marathon went ahead at 9 am. The event began with light rain at Tilsley Park, and winds increased by the early afternoon but were not too strong.

Matthew Kunov, from Reading, had an early lead in the men’s race, at the Oxford Road roundabout, just a half-mile into the race. He went on to win by about 4 minutes.

Rebecca Piggot, the women’s race winner, with number 1129, can be seen at the front of this group.

The main pack followed behind and took a few minutes to pass. Among them was Jack Dugan, representing Abingdon A.C..

Harrison Read, wearing number 18, was the first Abingdon A.C. runner to finish in 10th place. He is seen here, running along St. Helen’s Wharf, approximately 4.5 miles into the race.

James Clayton, another Abingdon A.C. athlete got 39th place.

Simon Webb, of the Stragglers Running Club, is seen here with Oli Bowers, his guide runner, in East St. Helen Street.

Spectators lined the Market Place and other view points and cheered the runners on and made many smile.

There was a 6-hour time limit for the race. Abingdon A.C.’s Helen Nash crossed the finish line with over half an hour to spare.

990 runners completed the race within 6 hours, and one runner came in with 6 hours 9 minutes. The event’s organisation, as always, deserves high praise. Volunteers were enthusiastic, offering encouragement and instructions to runners throughout the course. They waited patiently for the last runner (the officials could allow an extra 15 minutes).

P.S. Let me know if I got anything wrong. Thankyou  to https://results.chronotrack.com/event/results/event/event-83087# for the results.

Litter Pick by the River Ock

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This morning (Saturday 19th October), a group of volunteers, organised by Lynn of Abibinit, gathered at the Drayton Road end of the Ock Valley Walk for a litter pick. The team dispersed in various directions along the Ock Valley Walk and towards Tesco and returned with about twelve bags full.

The litter, primarily consisting of discarded alcohol cans and bottles. Particular favourites with  litterers appear to be Tesco Apple Cider (only £2.50* for 4 cans) and Ashfield British Lager (only £2.25* for 4 cans).

Lynn is planning the next litter pick before Christmas and is already thinking about next year’s program.

* Prices could be higher in Wales and Scotland due to minimum unit pricing rules.

As Scaffolding Rises, Access Falls – As It Falls, Visibility Rises

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The scaffolding erected at the Dangerous Building at 3 West St Helen Street does mean the building is unlikely to fall on anybody, but has unfortunately created accessibility problems. There is no pedestrian or vehicle access through the alleyway to the courtyard behind. The lack of ramps on either side of West St Helen Street, and the narrowed roadway make it difficult for mobility scooters etc. .

The recent removal of the scaffolding in front of Howden – the Insurance Broker – has improved the building’s visibility. It is now easier to see the friendly faces of the people inside, as well as two boards with local community information. I can also see Howden are celebrating Halloween and have a scheme where ‘people will be able to visit and swap a pair of football boots that no longer fit, for a pair that do.’

P.S. The following picture is the one described by Michael Harrison in the comment.