In Abingdon-on-Thames , there is a superstition that in walking under the gateway one should close your eyes and hop to keep the gargoyles away .
Although it is unclear how far back this tradition dates , some people from families that have lived in the town for generations follow the superstition that in walking under the gateway one should hold one 's breath to stop the gargoyles that decorate the gateway from stealing it .
Abingdon-on-Thames