Before, During and After photos of Old Gaol

Old Gaol
Brian worked in the Bridge Street Offices before the Old Goal re-development. His office window was furthest left on the top floor overlooking the backwater toward the Chandlery.
Old Gaol
He has sent a before, during and after photo of the Old Gaol taken from the Abingdon bridge. This was prompted by a comment that Newcomer made a few days ago.
Old Gaol
Brian used to look out on Grebes, Moorhens and an abundance of other wildlife.

9 thoughts on “Before, During and After photos of Old Gaol

  1. Julian

    And STILL no replacement mature willow tree as Cranbourne were obligated to plant by the planning authority that they just ride rough-shod over!

    Reply
  2. newcomer

    Thank you, backstreeter, though, to get the full effect, the Old Gaol ‘portal’ (copyright Hester) should be shown illuminated and at night.

    For a proper rendition of before-and-after we need to see the ‘modernistic’ add-ons which pass for architecture nowadays by poncing-off the past. You have included the glass ‘conservatory’ … in oh-so clashing black glass (naturally), but not the appalling modern blocks that are a testimony to modern ‘bung on an extension architecture’.

    Julian identifies himself as a man of taste when pointing out the lack of a large willow tree replacement. Unfortunately, unlike him, the planning department and the architects let loose on Abingdon don’t realize that you can’t buy ‘charm’ after you’ve destroyed it.

    Perhaps too strong of me … (three dots always imply thoughtful consideration before continuing … the New Grammar), but I can’t imagine the degree of idiot who must have been running the town when the Corn Market was destroyed. Don’t get me onto Henry The Eighth … ;o). Abingdon traditions …

    For interest, here’s an article from The Spectator about the use of ‘Gaol’ versus ‘Jail’ and it’s appropriate that the word has a French connection:

    https://www.spectator.co.uk/2014/04/why-did-we-ever-spell-jail-gaol/

    In addition, I use lower-case for backstreeter’s handle as this is how I first saw it and he’s an ‘umble man, like me, in this way.

    Reply
  3. Janet

    I agree. The building looks very bare without planting of shrubs and trees. It does not blend in with the rest of Abingdon.

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  4. Captainkaos2

    At least it’s colour matched to the to let signs ( or the other way around) but honestly though who is/was responsible for this monstrosity? It’s just so out of place with the environment it’s sits within, when you look at other “art” supplied by developers, the barrel sides in the brewery, the obelisks in Neave Mews this is no comparison.
    A nice bronze depicting the Napoleonic prisoners who built it or the monks who dug the water course would surely be more appropriate?

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  5. Geoffrey Bailey

    I like Peter Del’s comment. At least no one can say it doesn’t look like an Old Gaol! Surely the developers could have replanted some kind of vegetation!

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  6. Julian

    Geoffrey
    The developer IS obligated too..as part of their planning approvals….along with all of the mature trees and shrubberies that they ripped up at 63(?) Oxford Road, (see freedom of information requests at Abingdon First website), but as usual this particular developer doesn’t believe that the rules and regulations apply to them..and the planning authorities and Abingdon Council are toothless and let them get away with it! No doubt that they will be allowed to develop the Upper Reaches car park next! Watch this space!

    Reply
  7. Yvette

    They were also OBLIGED to have a social housing component to the development – which they argued should be at an alternative site as it would damage their profits at the Old Goal site – to date this has not been built – hasn’t even had planning agreed at the alternative sight at the old nursery at Harcourt Way!

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  8. Hester

    At 65 Oxford Road persistent pressure from interested groups (Friends of Abingdon as well as Abingdon First) were partially successful. Cranborne Homes eventually sold the plot on to another developer who did honour their commitment to planting on the Oxford Road frontage. However they have not planted along the fence on the North side which borders a public footpath, so a reminder is needed.
    As for the OG, nothing will ever replace that beautiful old willow, but surely to goodness they could put in some shrubbery to soften that bleak outlook. Maybe the Town Council who do such a lovely job with flowers in the areas they are responsible for could apply some pressure on the Vale?

    Reply

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