Fragment of Castle Wall at Su 6096 8978

This is a fragment of a castle wall located in Wallingford, likely dating from the 13th century. The wall measures approximately 6 meters long and 6 meters high, constructed with coursed squared limestone on the south face and knapped flint with stone dressings on the north face.

Wallingford Castle was originally built in 1067 under the orders of William the Conqueror, with construction overseen by Robert D'Oyley. The motte and bailey castle was completed in 1071 and later expanded in the 13th century during the reigns of King John and King Henry III, when it was held by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. In 1307, Edward II granted the castle and town to Piers Gaveston, who was made Baron Wallingford. By 1335, Edward II had given the castle to his son, Edward, the Black Prince, Duke of Cornwall, who invested significantly in its repairs and improvements.

Throughout the 15th century, the castle was held by the Chaucer and dela Pole families of Ewelme. However, by the 1540s, the castle had fallen into disrepair, and its stones were repurposed for other buildings in the town. During the Civil War, it was fortified as a Royalist stronghold, and Charles I inspected the renovations in 1643. The castle was besieged in 1646 by Cromwell's troops, leading to a 16-week standoff with Colonel Blagge. On November 17, 1652, Cromwell's Council of State ordered the castle's demolition. This fragment likely formed part of the Inner Bailey of the castle, which is now scheduled as an ancient monument.