Abingdon Abbey Projects

In November 2008, the Friends of Abbey Gardens, a group of local volunteers passionate about Abingdon's history, were awarded a £49,000 Heritage Lottery Fund Grant.

The funds are being used to help increase knowledge of the Gardens, as well as raising awareness of the Abbey and its historical importance during medieval times.

The ongoing work includes:

• creating a heritage trail from the Abbey Buildings along the mill stream to Barton Court and the Abbey Fishponds,
• new information boards,
• a new information leaflet and map of the grounds,
• a booklet on the history of the Abbey and,
• an education pack to encourage schools to visit the site.

New geophysical surveys will also be carried out in Abbey Gardens and Barton Court, where there will be an opportunity for the public to get involved in a "Time Team" experience.

As well as money from the Heritage Lottery Fund, contributions have also been made to the project by Abingdon Joint Environmental Trust and the Vale of White Horse District Council.