The only visible reminder of The Union Workhouse in Abingdon is the wall which separated the workhouse grounds from the allotment gardens (now Box Hill Recreation Ground).

The workshouse was demolished in 1932 and replaced by the housing estate made up of Abbot Road, and Thesiger Road – named after Sir Frederick Thesiger a former M.P for Abingdon.

The local parish used to have to look after their own poor, and Union Workhouses were where groups of parishes clubbed together, in Victoria times, looking for a more cost effective way.

Elderly and infirm would we treated leniently: those fit and of working age would NOT be encouraged to stay too long. Life would NOT be made easy: families were separated on entry; women might work in the laundry; men break rocks for roads; and the children could see their parents for a short while at the weekend if everybody behaved.

(Sepia pictures taken during a recent visit to Southwell Workhouse near Newark on Trent.)

In June 2009, a picture of Reg, the owner of the Reynolds Supermarket, and of an unknown lady, were fixed either side of an older mural of St Helen’s Church.

In August 2014 the pictures of Reg and the lady finally came down.

Another street scene put up on the Reynolds Way Wall in June 2009

is coming away from the wall in August 2014.

Most of the original murals from over ten years ago, made with tiles, and paint on the wall, are still doing well; but the newer ones painted on board, have lasted about five years. The notice board lasted even less. It has been mended and broken again.