July/August 2017


Unlock Abingdon’s history Silvia Joinson


How? By logging into the Abingdon Area Ar- cheological and history Society web site at www.abingdon.gov.uk/partners/HISTORY to find articles on interesting people, buildings and special features.


These are produced by a group from within the AAAHS and more articles are being added all the time. At present the site has 163 articles covering 128 topics. Many start with a short introductory article before a longer more detailed one with full references and most are illustrated. Comments, criticisms and suggestions for future contribu- tions can be made at local@aaahs.org.uk


There are also articles on some of Abingdon’s religious leaders in this turbulent period; Henry Forty, a preacher, and John Pendarves, for a time Vicar of St Helen’s.


Families


Prominent Abindon families are also covered, not just landowners but also local tradesmen like the Beesleys and Barretts who people will remember with premises in the High Street. The Tomkins were active in the town for several centuries and the Blacknalls have a prominent memorial in St Nicolas Church. Mary Blacknall (1616-50) mar- ried Ralph Verney in 1629 and also has an article


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Members of Parliament John Maberley who was an enterprising and out- spoken businessman. He had to flee abroad when he went bankrupt and then set up a new business in Amiens.


Thomas Duffield eloped with the heiress of Mar- cham. John Creemer Clarke, a prominent clothing manufacturer, was the last MP for the borough and actually lived here in Waste Court, Bath Street (recently renamed Austin House). He gave the beautiful badge at the centre of the mayor’s chain.


In the 20th century Airey Neave is remembered for more than his escape from Coldiitz and his horrific murder by the INLA.


Buildings Under buildings there are articles on all three of our churches, the churchyard, almshouses and St Helen’s Church Organ Blowing Chamber.


Features Under features you will find an article on ‘Abingdon at War 1642-46’ with details of the impact of the Civil War. King Charles I said a final farewell to his wife at Barton Court in 1644 and shortly after, the town fell to parliament. There were three unsuccessful attempts by the royalists to retake it.


with details of her adventures during the Civil War period. Another interesting lady is Mary Buckland (1797 -1857) nee Morland who be- came a well known palaeontologist.


I hope this has wetted your appetite and you will visit this site, and return to it, to see what more has been added!


Solution to June’s Crossword by Ian Miles


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