It prides itself on being old, but whether it can compare in this respect with Wallingford and Dorchester seems doubtful.
A famous abbey stood here once, and within what is left of its sanctified walls they brew bitter ale nowadays.
In St.Nicholas Church, at Abingdon, there is a monument to John Blackwall and his wife Jane, who both, after leading a happy married life, died on the very same day, August 21, 1625; and in St.Helen's Church, it is recorded that W.Lee, who died in 1637, "had in his lifetime issue from his loins two hundred lacking but three." If you work this out you will find that Mr.W.Lee's family numbered one hundred and ninety-seven.

Mr.W.Lee--five times Mayor of Abingdon--was, no doubt, a benefactor to his generation, but I hope there are not many of his kind about in this overcrowded nineteenth century.
From Abingdon to Nuneham Courteney is a lovely stretch.

Nuneham Park is well worth a visit.

It can be viewed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The house contains a fine collection of pictures and curiosities, and the grounds are very beautiful.
The pool under Sandford lasher, just behind the lock, is a very good place to drown yourself in.