At one time Abbey Close (called Abbey in earlier town maps) was a short road from the Market Place through the Abbey Gateway towards the Abbey Meadow.
On one side it is still dominated by the long wall of the Abbey Grounds, and on the other side are houses.
After the railway was removed, and the church hall behind St Nicolas was demolished, Abbey Close was extended to the Vineyard in 1989. Abingdon Past and Present and More of Abingdon Past and Present by Judy Thomas & Elizabeth Drury have pictures before and after.
The millennium needle was added at the far end of Abbey Close in 2007.
Comparing Abbey Close in 1950
with 1990 you can see how it has grown and meanders round.
I’d rather have the old station (and steam trains) than Waitrose!
I think the upper picture must be later than 1950 since it mentions the Abbey Hall which wasn’t built till 1966. It also doesn’t show the St Nicholas Church Hall which was there till the late 1980s.
The 1990 picture is very odd – I suspect it was for a specific purpose (hence the numbers) so completely omits some features such as the Guildhall/Abbey Hall complex and the Abbey Buildings.
I’d like Waitrose and the steam trains.
If you had a mini roundabout outside Fatface/St Nicholas so cars (and cars only) from Culham headed north could swing right, under the arch and left in to Abbey Close to get on to the Vineyard.
Instantly reduces traffic through town.
Simple. And very cheap, although I am happy to receive a minimal consultants fee for this if it works I am, as a gesture of good will happy to take far far more money should it be a really bad idea.
Where are the flowers going to be, Daniel? And how about a ferry across the river…..?
You jest ppjs, however my mini roundabout does nothing to the flowers…except give greater cause to pause and admire.
I have also had in mind a ferry/boat across the river at the Anchor…however I decided not to pursue it as I would be obliterated by a swath of health and safety and likely fees to pay The Veil…. But I agree that “a circular walk” is required…and so a bridge or crossing along Wilson Rs, or the marina can only be a good thing (alas, good things rarely happen, and even less so post BREXIT).
Daniel, I think we ought to meet and establish Anchor Consultants.
I am more than happy to.
“Anchor Consulting – we’ll drag you down, or your money back”!
Money back is not a good idea. The old firm of solicitors Sue, Grabbit & Runne is more the style.