It was not raining when we got up at 6am, but there was a light rain when we went to pick up the gazebos, and it was raining hard by the time we put them up.
The Abingdon Music Centre sang some medieval songs in the dry of the museum undercroft.
Henry V gave a rousing speech in the rain
Abindon Bridge Beer was there on tap thanks to the Brewery Tap to celebrate 600 years since Abingdon Bridge, across the Thames, was built, in the reign of Henry V.
There were lots of medieval stalls on the Market Place. The most shocking, for any people born into the 20th and 21st Century, was the Apothecary and the treatment he gave his poor patient without any pain killers or basic hygiene. It drew a large crowd.
Connells the Estate Agent had for sale, for one day only: Royal Armour(complete with sword), Fantasy castle (energy Rating G), and battle ship (in excellent working order with 6 cannons and 80 cannon balls).
At the Old Gaol Knights fought a tournament to win the public’s favour.
There was a face painter who gave Henry V his scar, and a number of adults pustules, but did much nicer designs for children.
At the end of the day there were a series of Bell Ringing demonstrations at St Nicolas Church. Over 500 churches are taking part in a bell ringing for Heritage Open Day nationally. There were 14 building open in Abingdon for Heritage Open Day which were dry.
There was also a very successful Open Day at Culham Fusion Energy Centre despite the rain.
When it was time to take down the gazebos at 4pm the rain had just about stopped, and any water that had gathered was removed from the sagging gazebo roofs.
After that there was sunshine like the weather forecast predicted. More pictures on Abingdon Blog Facebook and a movie with music, jousting, bell ringing, and Henry V’s speech on youtube …
Just a quick reminder that Heritage Open Days continue today – on a smaller scale, but with better weather!
Open buildings are:
– Christs Hospital Hall – with Abingdon Bridge Exhibition
– Roysse Room – probably the only chance to see it till the – Guildhall re-opens next year.
– Abbey Buildings – with tea, coffee and cakes available
– Museum – business as usual after yesterday’s efforts.
There are also 3 guided walks (two at 11.00, one at 14.00)
and sheets available with D-I-Y walks routes.
Full details at http://www.abingdonheritage.co.uk/. There will be an information stall in the Market Place 10.15-11.00, after that you can call in to the Information Centre in Bridge Street or the Abbey Buildings.
Well done as always Alastair, Hester et al – rotten luck with the weather but great to see so much going on in the town
I found it really interesting, despite the weather. Well done. Just a thought for next year – it would be helpful to have known the timings in advance of the events. Having well looked around the market place, most of the events I wanted to see were in the afternoon. With a 7 year old and a 96 year old I really couldn’t hang around that long in that weather. Would probably have come a bit later.
The hard work by all cncerned really showed in the lovely thngs on offer. If the weathe rhad been good, you wouldn’t have been able to move in the Market Place. Well done to all the local businesses who joined in the fun.