Monday, January 06, 2020

A visit to Abingdon's County Hall Museum

On Saturday we were back in my home town and visited the County Hall Museum.

Abingdon's County Hall Museum
If you visit the museum make sure to also check out the Mouse Hole Cafe below it for more exhibits

Abingdon's County Hall Museum
The Market Place was being used as a Christmas tree drop off and chipping point on Saturday

It's always nice to have a look around, see what's new and also have a look at the Bun Throwing exhibits.

Information on the town's unique custom of Bun Throwing
Information on the town's unique custom of Bun Throwing

Buns from the Bun Throwing that celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2012
Buns from the Bun Throwing that celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 2012. A total of 6,000 buns were thrown on that occasion 

As it's winter the rooftop isn't open to visitors, however you can still climb the stairs and get a fairly good view of the town and the surrounding area from inside.

A view from Abingdon's County Hall Museum
A look down at the Market Place

Abingdon's County Hall Museum
A view of the rooftop looking towards St Nicolas Church

Abingdon's County Hall Museum
A view looking south of Abingdon

Abingdon-on-Thames has a brewing heritage and was for many years the home to Morland Brewery.

Morland Brewery Plaque and Sign
A Morland Brewery Plaque and Sign

You can still see old Morland Brewery plaques on pubs and lost pubs around the town and further afield.

A Morland Brewery Plaque at the Old Anchor Inn beside the River Thames
A Morland Brewery Plaque at the Old Anchor Inn beside the River Thames

A Morland Brewery sign at a lost pub in Oxford
Can you see the Morland Plaque on this lost pub building at St Aldate's in Oxford

A Morland Brewery sign at a lost pub in Oxford
A closer look at the plaque in Oxford

One of the exhibits caught my eye as I hadn't heard of Bun Thrower ale before!

Bun Thrower ale

Bun Thrower ale

Bun Thrower ale

One of the recent exhibits was about the Michaelmas fair that stretches from the Market Place to the end of Ock Street. I haven't been to the annual street fair since 1999 as I moved from Abingdon in the year 2000, but it was nice to see the old photos showing scenes from years gone by. Hopefully I'll get back for the event this year.

Check out the Abingdon County Hall Museum website for more information and opening times.

Abingdon's County Hall Museum
The old County Hall and Market Place lit up for the festive season on Friday evening