Outer Town Walk (Abingdon lock)

This is not intended to a complete step by step guide to the walk that leads you by the hand, but rather to enhance your walk by highlighting local history, views and curios. Some of these items may indeed tempt you to stray off your route so keep a good map at hand! Start: Abingdon Market Square In the corner of the Market Square is an archway passage to a pedestrian crossing across Stert St. Turn right until you are in front of the Abbey Gateway (adjacent to St Nicolas Church) Discover the buried River Stert. Listen for water running under the drain cover. See the shape of the culvert in the stone wall opposite. Now peer through St Nicolas Church Arch. Do look up to admire the ceiling. Also think on the prisoners held in the arch who though they had a remarkable view, were kept in the most miserable circumstances (Front of Old Abbey House) Victorian epigram: "Through this wide open gate, none come too early; none returns too late" this is intended to be a welcoming invitation to visitors The Abingdon Tourist Information point is to be found inside the entrance Old Abbey House in rear view We see Victoria expelled from the Market Square, because she was in the way of the market traders!! Now you have to find two cross-plaques in the grassy area. These mark the position of the fonts of the original Saxon church and the lost Norman Abbey The Norman Cross is nearest to the lake feature, as it enclosed the site of the earlier Saxon Church Here is the Saxon Cross. The foundations of the buildings have been excavated and are known. But there is sadly no authenticated drawing of the St Mary's Abbey itself It was said to resemble Well's Cathedral Try to imagine that you are inside the cathedral as best you can Now turn into the Abbey Grounds. Note the recently restored lake feature. An ideal picnic spot In summer this area is full of families and children playing in the water feature. A view of the Thames. There is also a modern play area, mini-golf, tennis and a pitch and putt golf course. There may be an open outdoor pool depending on funding. Poplar Trees between two play areas Millstream Walk Lock Approach Water on every side, please keep an eye on your children The Lock, view the flood marks on the building Water on every side, please keep an eye on your children Turn "Right" or downstream back towards Abingdon Looking back to the lock Nags Island a hive of activity in summer Abingdon Bridge (Burford Bridge) from other direction Abingdon Bridge (Burford Bridge) Back to the Town Centre, why not visit one of our excellent restaurants or coffee shops. There are also many interesting shops.