The new roads

In 1932 the North Berks Herald reported that the new estate would enjoy 'exceptional privacy' with the Convent of Our Lady on the opposite side of the Oxford Road.

It added that 19 houses would be built along the front and the remainder at the rear, with two new concrete roads being built for access.

The new site owners consulted the town council for advice on naming the roads, and decided on the names of two Abingdon worthies.

Abbot Road was named for Sir Charles Abbot, 1st Baron Colchester, who had been born in the Headmaster's Lodge of Abingdon School, in Roysse Court. He served as Speaker of the House of Commons from 1802 to 1817.

Charles Abbot, 1st Baron Colchester. By John Hoppner,
oil on canvas, circa 1802. NPG 1416. © National Portrait Gallery, London

Thesiger Road was named for Sir Frederic Thesiger, 1st Baron Chelmsford. He was MP for Abingdon from 1844 to 1852, and later became Lord Chancellor.

Sir Frederic Thesiger by Eden Upton Eddis. Abingdon Guildhall. Image: Public Domain from https:// commons.wikimedia.org