The Abbey Gateway was built in the fifteenth century at the entrance to Abingdon Abbey.
In this view, the afternoon sun is shaded by bollards, an information sign, and people passing by.
They are watched over by the gargoyles, furry with algae and moss,
and grotesques with gouged-out eyes.
A gargoyle spouts water and gargles. A grotesque is grotesque.
The other side of the archway has a medieval vaulted ceiling where grey stone looks golden in places.
The sunshine really brings the stonework alive
Hope you held your breath while passing under the gateway?
(Not sure where this superstition originates from but I’ve heard others mention it too, it had to be done as children!)
Hi Kris,
I sometimes remember and have not had my breath taken away yet.
Backstreeter
I was always told it was bad luck to talk under the arches – but maybe my grandad was trying to get a few seconds peace!
We were told you had to Hold your nose and hop on one leg while going under the arch, other wise you would turn into a gargoyle