Berkshire County Court resolved at the Epiphany Sessions in 1859 that Abingdon Gaol had become unnecessary. The town council of Abingdon did not co-operate with the county in finding an alternative use for the goal. As a result the court resolved in 1862 that magistrates would commit no more county prisoners to Abingdon Gaol.

The court also resolved to bring a Bill before Parliament to allow the county to close and sell Abingdon Gaol. The proceeds would help in funding the county militia or to bring down the county rate.

From that time, all county prisoners would be held at Reading and be tried at Reading. That included Oscar Wild who wrote The Ballad of Reading Gaol.

Since 1862 Abingdon Gaol has been used as tenements and a grain store, leisure centre, and living quarters.

Picture of Abingdon ‘old’ Gaol taken today. There is some flooding on the opposite bank but less than earlier in the month.

With thanks to the British Newspaper Archive.