Historic Buildings Investigation and Recording at Abingdon Abbey

The current project has comprised a photogrammetric survey of two parts of the former Abbey: the north wall of the Checker Hall (now Unicorn Theatre) and the walls of the Undercroft in The Checker. A brief for the work was produced by Purcell and the on-site recording was undertaken on 13 February 2024. The photogrammetry was undertaken using a camera attached to a telescopic pole. Buildings archaeologists also visited on the same day and assessed the visible evidence in these areas in terms of the age and alteration of the fabric. Detailed historical research has not been undertaken as part of the current recording although information from the principal previous studies have informed the work. Oxford Archaeology (OA) was commissioned by Focus Consultants, on behalf of The Friends of Abingdon Abbey Buildings Trust to undertake building recording on two Grade I listed structures at Abingdon Abbey. The recording focussed on the Undercroft of The Checker Building and the external north wall of an adjoining structure known as Checker Hall but now used as the Unicorn Theatre. The recording relates to a programme of proposed improvements to the theatre facilities with various new openings planned to increase accessibility and to provide new uses for currently underused areas. The Checker is believed to have been constructed in c.1260 and formed the Exchequer where the Abbey's finances were controlled. The Undercroft was part of the original structure of the building. In the west wall of the Undercroft there survive the remains of a former fireplace which was a secondary insertion, possibly added in the 14th or 15th century. The Undercroft may have been converted to domestic use at this time but by the dissolution this part of the building was in use as a wine cellar. Checker Hall was probably constructed in the 14th century and it has been much altered through several changes of use. It's original function is uncertain but is likely to have either been a domestic structure or more likely a storage building. The recording included photogrammetry of the two areas and historic building analysis.