Thanks to Christine for letting me know about this event, and Elizabeth for the 2nd picture.
The latest Oxfordshire Blue Plaque has been unveiled at a large house near the Albert Monument, on Park Crescent in Abingdon. It commemorates Arthur Edwin Preston (1852–1942) Mayor, antiquarian, and historian of Abingdon.
His house is now owned and used by Abingdon School, and the plaque was unveiled on Friday by Jackie Smith, Honorary Archivist of Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, in the presence of The Mayor of Abingdon, the Master of Christ’s Hospital, the Head of Abingdon School, the Chairman of the Vale, among others.
“Arthur Preston made an extraordinary contribution both as a borough and county councillor and as an antiquarian who preserved the record of Abingdon’s history and restored its ancient buildings … (read on here)”
You wonder what such a gentleman would think of the present state of affairs in Abingdon? Brings to mind words and phrases such as ‘mettle’ and ‘moral fibre’. Whilst I don’t want to view the past with rose-tinted spectacles or damn the present out of hand, there’s something to be learnt from such ‘minor’ figures of history and their day-to-day conduct and outlook. Thank you Backstreeter for such an interesting post!
there is a fine memorial to Preston in St Nicolas’ church beside the pulpit.
I wonder, in hopefully many years from now, if there were be a be a blue plaque along the ‘Back Street’ to commemorate the effort and contribution made by the creator of this excellent blog?
Great idea Richard!