Old buildings have a story to tell, from the materials used in their construction, the structural techniques used by the builders and design features, affected by changes during their lifetimes. Freehold deeds, leases, wills and numerous other written documents help to build pictures of owners and occupiers, their lives, possessions and occupations. Public buildings too can tell us much about life in a locality, sometimes over many centuries.

If you would like to research your own house, or a local historic building, why not join your local history group or set up a group of your own to research historic buildings in your area! For example, in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, UK, the Abingdon Buildings Record (ABR), an offshoot of the Oxfordshire group, brings together people with an interest in the history of the local buildings. Its aims are to:

· Record buildings in the town.

· Help members carry out their own projects, supporting members and, where appropriate, contacting outside experts.

· Create and maintain a database of research that has been done on Abingdon buildings, and to make this information available at the local library to anyone interested.

Over 300 years old, The County Hall at Abingdon is a monument to late 17th Century town planning. The design has been attributed to Sir Christopher Wren and I have written about the building, seeking reasons for the creation of such a bold statement of corporate status, followed by a description of what is known about the County Hall's design, construction and purpose. Abingdon's County Hall has had to adapt to survive and has needed much maintenance, from replacing lead torn from the roof in a storm in 1773 to a major refurbishment in the 1950s, following which the building was re-opened by Her Majesty the Queen. As a public building, important events have taken place in and around the County Hall. All these are outlined, with illustrations that highlight the beauty of the County Hall's design and construction. It is the story of a building, but it is also the story of a town and of its people.

If you are visiting Abingdon why not visit the County Hall. The magnificent first floor Sessions Hall houses Abingdon Museum and on Summer Saturdays if the weather is fine, you can enjoy panoramic views from the roof across the Vale of White Horse.

To learn more about researching old buildings, or about Abingdon's 17th Century County Hall, built to house the Berkshire Assizes, please e-mail me.

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