Today, The Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust have announced that they have been awarded a £4million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out a once-in-a-generation restoration project that will bring the Abbey Buildings into the 21st century.
The Abingdon Abbey Buildings, each Grade I listed, date back to the 13th century and comprise of the Unicorn Theatre, Checker, Undercroft and Long Gallery. They form an essential community space for the citizens of Abingdon and its surrounds but currently aren’t able to operate all year round or offer accessible facilities or access to many spaces.
The three-year project will see the site completely transformed, with a major and long overdue enhancement programme to weatherproof the buildings and make them fully accessible. This includes:
- undertaking a major programme of conservation work to the buildings so they can carry on providing a welcoming space for Abingdon residents into the future
- installing windows to fully weatherproof the Long Gallery for year-round use
- making sure all parts of the buildings are fully accessible with a new lift and level floors throughout
- a new glass-fronted lobby in The Unicorn Theatre with new retractable seating and disabled toilets for flexible use
- new interpretation to bring to life Abingdon Abbey’s rich history so more can learn about its heritage
- running a series of activities and events to share its heritage with the community
Gregory Bensberg MBE, Chair of the Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust said: “Back in 1944, the Friends of Abingdon Civic Society saved these buildings from demolition. Now owned by the Trust, it’s our turn to save them once more. These buildings are part of Abingdon’s story and central to our community. Making sure that everyone can access these, all year round, is the reason this project is needed. It will make sure they are still standing for generations after us.”
The Abbey Buildings are part of the Abingdon Abbey scheduled monument which is what survived of the Medieval Benedictine Abbey of Abingdon. Originally founded in 675, the Abbey fell into disrepair but was re-invigorated following the appointment of Aethelwold as Abbot in 953. It f lourished as a centre of Benedictine administration and activity until the Dissolution when the ecclesiastical buildings were demolished.
Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, and this couldn’t be truer than with this project at Abingdon Abbey. These buildings are nationally important and are rich in heritage but are also integral to the community. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, they will not only be saved, but also this heritage will be accessible to all, all year round, for the first time.”
As well as the Heritage Fund grant, the Trust has already raised over £1.2m in support from the Abingdon Town Council, the Wolfson Foundation, the Historic Houses Foundation, the Pilgrim Trust and the Oxfordshire Buildings Trust. The Trust will now be launching a public appeal to raise the remaining funds and start the works, hopefully by the summer of 2025.
7.0 Latest Proposal as at 29th January 2025
PRE 1940s PICTURES
