Fragment Of Castle Wall At Su 6096 8978

WALLINGFORD CASTLE LANE SU6089NE (East side) Wallingford 10/57 Fragment of Castle wall at 09/12/49 SU 6096 8978 (Formerly listed as Remains of Queen's Tower and fragments of Castle Wall)

GV I

Fragment of Castle wall. Probably C13. Coursed squared limestone to south face; knapped flint with stone dressings to north face. Approx. 6m. long and 6m. high. History: Wallingford Castle was begun in 1067 by order of William the Conqueror; supervised by Robert D'Oyley. Motte and Bailey castle completed in 1071. Castle expanded in C13 under King John, and King Henry III, when it was held by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. In 1307 the castle and town were given by Edward II to Piers Gaveston, created Baron Wallingford. In 1335 Edward II gave the castle to his son Edward, the Black Prince, Duke of Cornwall, who spent large sums on repairs and improvements. Held during most of C15 by Chaucer and dela Pole families of Ewelme. By 1540's the castle had fallen into disrepair and stone was being used for other buildings in the town. During the Civil War it was fortified as a Royalist stronghold. Charles I inspected the new works in 1643. Siege of Wallingford in 1646 when Colonel Blagge was besieged for 16 weeks by Cromwell's troops. On 17th November 1652 Cromwell's Council of State ordered its demolition. This fragment probably formerd part of the Inner Bailey. The Castle area is scheduled as an ancient monument. ("Wallingford Castle, a brief guide", 1984; V.C.H.: Berkshire, Vol.III, 1923, p.523-531; Buildings of England: Berkshire, 1966, p.248).

Listing NGR: SU6096089780