Wallingford, England



(Above image is a capture of St Peter's Church, Wallingford.)

Today, we visited Wallingford,a historic market town located to the south of Oxford on the River Thames in England. Population is about 45,000.

 Wallingford is not a mass tourist destination and qualifies as one of those 'hidden' places which has a great offering for the more discerning tourist, in particular:
  • Has a history dating back to Saxon times, with location important due to it being a fording place on the River Thames.The names has Saxon origins and means 'ford of the people of a man called Wealh'.
  • The town still has the remains of 9th century walled defences which were erected to repel Viking attacks. 
  • The invading Normans built a huge castle complex during the 11th century which would suggest the strategic importance of Wallingford.
  • The castle held out for the royals during the English civil war but eventually surrendered with the castle being demolished thereafter. However the very substantial castle earthworks remain and are open to public access. as the author of 'Commentaries
  • Famous resident, Sir William Blackstone (1723-80) gained world renown as the author of 'Commentaries on the Laws of England' which formed the basis of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the U.S.A. Sir William is buried in St Peter's Church.
 High Street, Wallingford

 
 Treetop view of Wallingford



Line of Saxon defences.



18th century architecture



Groundworks and remains of Wallingford Castle





Hereford bull at Wallingford





River Thames at Wallingford

Colourful house at Wallingford


Five hundred year old building which now houses Wallingford Museum




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