Thames Accommodation
Crown and Thistle Hotel - Featured Hotel in Abingdon

The Crown and Thistle Hotel is the oldest existing inn in Abingdon, a pretty town just south of the University city of Oxford.  It is located in Bridge Street, north of Abingdon Bridge which spans the River Thames.

The Crown and Thistle's amazing history stretches back almost 400 years - it was built in about 1605.  This date may account for its most unusual name - in 1603 the union between the English and Scottish crowns came about when James VI of Scotland became James 1st of England and Scotland after the death of Queen Elizabeth 1st. The "Crown" represents the throne of England and "The Thistle" represents the Throne of Scotland. Documents exist that prove that the building was "an Inn" by 1697, when the lease shows Robert Cheney specifically described as an "Innkeeper".

In the 1700's the lease holder of the Crown and Thistle was Robert Powell and he raised the standard of the inn to such an extent that it gained the reputation of catering for "the better class of customer". The inn was used for auction sales, banquets, victory celebrations after local elections - in fact you could even get your bad tooth pulled at The Crown and Thistle!

Later the Crown and Thistle became a coaching inn, and in fact the very first Mail Coach from Abingdon to Stroud ran from here in 1784.

In Victorian times the hotel continued to prosper, when it was described as a "Family and Commercial Hotel and Railway Post House".

The hotel is now privately owned.  It is a Grade II listed building with a wonderful cobbled courtyard, and has undergone extensive refurbishment, but still in keeping with its character.

All the bedrooms are en-suite and have been upgraded to the most modern of standards, and a new restaurant - The Gallery - has opened which features traditional British dishes. The hotel features rooms with four poster beds, a large conference room and the Stocks Bar and Function Room.  There are even some family rooms.

The hotel is magnificently situated in the centre of Abingdon, yet only a short distance from the city of Oxford and some remarkable scenery.  The River Thames is at your doorstep, and there for you to enjoy. All in all, The Crown and Thistle is a unique hotel, and one to savour.

Article researched and written by Jeannette Briggs 2009

Contact Details:

The Crown and Thistle Hotel
Bridge Street
ABINGDON
Oxfordshire
OX14 3HS

Tel: 01235 522556
Fax: 01235 553281

Contact: Jane Gibson

E-mail : reception@crownandthistle

Website: www.crownandthistle.com