Abingdon man ends up on London Bridge

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William Mandeville
William Mandeville, of Abingdon, led an early rising of ordinary folk. An account can be read in Chronicles of London Bridge by Richard Thomson, available in google books ( https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=n2MuAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA238&lpg=PA238#v=onepage&q&f=false  ).

It is diffuclt from this account to judge the justice of his cause. A rebellious association was formed in Abingdon by William Mandeville, a weaver and bailiff of the town (April 1431) who called himself Jack Sharp, of Wigmore’s lands in Wales. The object of this rebellion was ostensibly against the priests, for Mandeville confessed when examined, that it was ‘intended to make priests’ heads as plenty as sheep’s heads – ten for a penny,’
William Mandeville
William Mandeville is commemorated in a short street in Abingdon – off the Oxford Road
William Mandeville
Perhaps fitting for a rebellion that ended in execution, Mandeville Close is a Cul-de-sac. There are half a dozen houses on one side of the road, and a Beech hedge on the other.

Market Place Christmas Tree and more Christmas shop windows during lockdown 2

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And the Tree
Yesterday there were men putting lights and giant baubles on the Christmas Tree on Abingdon Market Place.
And the Tree
The Bookstore has put out the reindeer decorations. Even though they are not open because of the November lockdown, they do have a Click and Collect Service.
And the Tree
Added Ingredients have the annual display of Pandoro (Italian) Christmas Cakes in the window, and are open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10-3.
And the Tree
Chic It Up have also put out their Christmas display and people can Collect items.

Ditch and Giant Lego

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Ditch and Giant Lego
M reports that a deep ditch and bank have appeared at the gap in the tree line just west of Chanterelle Way play area, blocking access to the field path to Mill Road.

He says it does not look like utility works as it does not connect with anything. People are still getting through but it is very slippery in the wet conditions.
Ditch and Giant Lego
Also giant Lego bricks have appeared along Mill Road blocking vehicle access into the fields.

I would add that there was an unauthorised encampment in September on the field next to Mill Road. It could be that the land owners are trying to stop further encampments. The land owners, and local people, may well know better.

Wootton Road tree cutting and archaeological surveys

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Wootton Road Tree Cutting and Archaeology
A couple of weeks ago there was a report on this blog about some contractors opening up access to the new development of 200 dwellings alongside the Wootton Road. Their orange digger can be seen in the background of this picture. In the foreground, in the Circus Field, a yellow digger is making ditches – probably for archaeology reports.
Wootton Road Tree Cutting and Archaeology
Meanwhile a lot of the trees, that have been a feature of the Wootton Road entrance into Abingdon, are being cut down.
Wootton Road Tree Cutting and ArchaeologyLooking at the access design plans (https://data.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/java/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P20/V2254/DIS#exactline) it can be seen that about half the trees were planned to be removed.

The existing entrance to the field has already been built up and will be used until a new entrance is built at the place where most of the trees have been removed.