by Jeannette Briggs 

Wallingford is a mediaeval stronghold and large modern day market town, which sits alongside the River Thames.  The town's charter was granted in AD1155 by King Henry II, and a Norman castle built in AD 1071. 

People have been living here and crossing the old bridge since AD 1141.   The bridge was actually built 900 years ago and was famous during the Civil War when opposing armies supporting the King,Charles I and Oliver Cromwell met and fought battles here.  Wallingford Castle was used by the Royalist troops and after Cromwell defeated them he had the castle razed to the ground in 1652. 

Left: Wallingford Bridge by the River Thames

There are lots of convenient moorings here from where you can visit the town and obtain the usual essential supplies.

Fast and frequent buses connect Wallingford with Oxford and to Henley, Goring and Reading.