This is designed to be really great for visitors to Abingdon-on-Thames and simple living history fun for families, ending in a magical location and easy, but discrete find. It takes to most of the most special buildings in the town.
NEW AMENDED - VERY SIMPLE MATHS VERSION
1) The Old Gaol. Once criminals could no longer be transported to America or Australia, there was pressure for a county prison. Down came the White Heart Inn and in 1804 plans were made for this new Gaol. You won’t need to be locked up to find the detail you need. How many lines down till the “Goal!” – A. Don’t forget to go through the door to the publicly accessible riverside garden.
2) 26A East St Helens Street. A medieval house dating from 1431. When was this house bequeathed 199B?
3) The Malthouse. In 1554 it was a dyehouse, but by 1876 it was used as a Malthouse, which reflects its current name. It has a fantastic open hall, which I remember going to while at St Helen’s Church’s Sunday School. How many feet away is the valve 1C. Pass around the impressive St Helen’s Church. The famous parish church and second widest in England.
4) The Long Alley Almshouses – in 1441 the Fraternity of the Holy Cross was created. Note the wall with the picture of the Abingdon Cross. When did Long Alley flood 189D?
5) Twittys Almshouses – Samuel gave £E00
6) St Ethelwolds House – This Georgian façade hides a use of this land going back to the Romans. Metal working, brewery, coal yard, antique shop, kindergarten and space for peace and contemplation.How many door buzzers in total both sides F
7) Unicorn House – Largely dating from 1616, William III of Orange stayed here on what year 168G, while on his way to London to claim the English throne?
8) Twickenham House – This Georgian building was built in 1756-7 for Joseph Tomkins. The Tomkins were among the leading families of the town, they were prominent members of the local Baptist Church and successful businessmen in the malt trade and later banking. Looking at the stables courtyard,from the public footpath, how many bollards are there? H
9) County Hall – Constructed between 1678 and 1683, primarily to house the Berkshire Assizes / Court when they were held in Abingdon. It now houses the Abingdon Museum, which is well worth a visit. For hundreds of years, local Abingdon Town Councillors have thrown buns to the people, to mark special occasions, such as Royal Celebrations. Thousands of people come from across Oxfordshire and the surrounding streets are full. Many eat the buns directly, but others follow the tradition of keeping a bun from every major event for during their life.
What is the year stated on the building for starting construction (in roman numerals) I.
10) Welcome to the Abbey Gardens. Abingdon Abbey was one of the richest and most powerful in England. The Abbots’s London palace is now known as the Palace of Westminster – the UK Parliament, located on Abingdon Street in London. Look at the grass and you can see the outline of the Abbey. Queen Victoria is keeping an eye on you. What day in June ? 2J/p>
11) The Long Gallery, Checker Hall and Unicorn. A medieval granary for the Abbey remains and is one of the finest in England. When was the long gallery built 14K0? The space is used for functions and as a theatre and cinema. If you visit you will see the magical Unicorn inside. If open to visitors take time to visit the place and gardens to the rear, which lead onto the mill stream. Take the small alley way towards the watermill channel and if you come during a show, it is possible to see the actor race from backstage to the changing room. Taking the steps down you can hear the sound of the mill stream and walk along the basin until it is joined by the River Stert and flows under Abingdon Bridge.
12) Maude Hales Bridge and Terrace. This is the bridge most to the East which has the main navigation channel. There are a few houses. It is not correct, but when do they suggest they were constructed 1L53?
13) Magical Land. Cross the witches and wizards bridge, past the ancient trees, you will see the magical stone ring used for looking into the future. How many steps M? Just remember not to fall asleep in the grassy circle nearby, or the fairies may turn you into a donkey.
Not far to go now to get your reward.
N51 KF FL(D+E) W001 B(K+M) FJC