Under Abingdon Bridge on the River Thames

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 16:51

Did you know that Abingdon Bridge is really two bridges? They looked like one as we passed under it this morning.

Turning to go west

We moved downstream towards Abingdon as we were expecting a "delivery" of a large parcel. However we had to find a convenient mooring first.

We took on water etc at the sani-station above Abingdon Lock. We also took the opportunity to wash one side of Epiphany down - the side that had been against the dusty Thames Path in Oxford. All those bikes had thrown up a real coating - she looks better now, but needs a polish.

Abingdon Lock with narrowboat leaving

Below the lock are 5 day moorings - they were full of large cruisers and wide-beam narrowboats. I always find the latter term rather strange as it is a contradiction. I suppose it is quicker than saying " a wide-beam boat with a flat bottom with a rudder and tiller"! I have steered a number in my time and it is like steering a bus through water, without the benefit of power steering and from the back. Horrid! (Sorry, any fans of these boats)

5 day moorings

So to Abingdon Bridge, or Burford Bridge. The name arose because of the dangerous "Borough Ford" that was hereabouts, and one at Culham. The bridge was originally built in the 15th Century and was built by the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. It has been repaired and more or less rebuilt and the latest incarnation is from 1927, faced with some of the original stone.

Here the channel divides, into the main one (left) and the "backwater".

The stream through here can be very fast and unwary boaters might find it a problem in more challenging conditions than we encountered. It was cool and overcast with a bit of a breeze.

To the right, where the Upper Reaches Hotel now stands, is the site of Abingdon Abbey Mill. The monks built a stream in the 10th century to provide water to power the mill and grind their corn.

"Abingdon Bridge" over the backwater

The southern end, with its range of arches, is the "Burford" bit. The section over the backwater which runs alongside Abingdon's old gaol is known as Abingdon Bridge. Confusing isn't it? So we came through the main arch of Burford Bridge!

Burford Bridge

Further south there are three more arches - flood arches, also erected in the 15th century and named after William and Maud Hales who were the benefactors of the bridge.

Between the backwater and the main channel is an island. On this stands the Nags Head, once three cottages, and made into a pub in 1856.

Burford Bridge from downstream

Downstream of the bridge (whatever you call it!) there are moorings beside some parkland - we settled here, near the bridge to await our "delivery" ....

River Thames, below Swift Ditch to below Burford Bridge, Abingdon
0 hour 35 minutes (excluding stop at sani-station), 0.91 miles, 1 lock