The South Aisle is the fifth and final aisle to have been built at St Helen’s Church. It was built in 1539 by Katherine Audlett, a wealthy local widow, to provide a place to rebury her husband John Audlett, who had been originally buried in Abingdon Abbey Church in 1537. [1]

The connection with the Audlett family can still be seen in the aisle. Its roof is dated 1539 and bears the initials K.A. and I.A., representing Katherine and John Audlett.

Abingdon Abbey was dissolved in 1538. The new South Aisle was being built at that time. Archaeological research suggests that it is feasible that stone from the demolished Abbey Church was reused in the construction of the aisle. So, when looking at the stonework of the South Aisle from East St Helen Street, you may be looking at stones that once formed part of the Abingdon Abbey Church. [2]

References

[1] St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, A Short Guide and Tour of St Helen’s Church, section on
the fifth aisle. St Helen’s Church Guide

[2] Oxford Archaeology, St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, archaeological assessment, 2012. Oxford Archaeology report