The Abingdon Union Workhouse existed for almost 100 years, and was big enough to house 500 people. There is a trail you can follow during Heritage Open Days to see how they lived, what they ate and what they did, then you can see how the land became houses in the 1940s. There is also a quiz and a treat for children.

The trail guide is available from the information stall on the Market Place on Saturday 18th September 2021 or downloadable on a link from Abingdon Heritage self guided walks.

Abingdon Baptist Church have their church building open on Saturday as part of Heritage Open Days. The cafe at 35 Ock Street will also be open.

On Sunday the Schism Sermon will be preached by Revd. Steve Millard, the minister. The Schism Sermon is part of the heritage of the Baptist church and has been delayed this year to coincide with this special weekend.

On 1st August 1714 an act of parliament, The Schism Act, was voted through which would have made it illegal for anyone to educate young people, without the consent of a Church of England bishop, and without conforming to Church of England ways. The intention was to stop non conformist churches, like the Baptists, running schools. They were becoming a force in educating the poor. On the eve of getting Royal Assent, Queen Anne died and the Schism Act was never enforced.

In 1716 Benjamin Tompkins left money in his will for a  sermon to be preached near the start of August. He stipulated that the Baptist Minister be paid 20 shillings for the sermon. That sum is still paid (20s is equivalent to £1).  The sermon is intended to celebrate religious freedom. (Visitors can go in person at 10:30 or watch remotely on YouTube.)

35 Ock Street will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a service and tea on Sunday afternoon. 35 Ock Street has an open cafe and community rooms, and is run by volunteers from Abingdon Baptist Church and the wider Church in Abingdon. It was recently redecorated.

Tomatoes climb up Old Station House. Salad greens and beans, and many different herbs are in the tubs in front.

The Abingdon Carbon Cutters have organised vegetable beds called Edible Abingdon since 2015. They show what can be grown in small areas.

The 2021 national Heritage Open Days festival has the theme of Edible England this year. The Carbon Cutters will lead a walk round the alternative Edible Abingdon vegetable beds on Sunday. As part of Abingdon Heritage Open Days there will also be other food themed events, open properties, films, walks, and a talk. You can find out more at https://abingdonheritage.org.uk/.

Most of the events will be at the weekend. But people visiting Abingdon town centre, on Thursday and Friday, can visit St Nicolas church for an Abingdon food-through-the-ages exhibition, and discover the history of throwing buns at Abingdon County Hall Museum.