Remains Of Queen'S Tower At Su 6102 8971

SU6189 8/58 09/12/49

WALLINGFORD CASTLE LANE (East side) Wallingford Remains of Queen's Tower at SU 6102 8971 (Formerly listed as Remains of Queen's Tower and fragments of Castle Wall)

GV I

Fragment of wall, probably former tower. Probably C13 with alterations. Coursed squared limestone to west face; flint with tile bands to lower portion of east face; flint and stone mixture to upper portion of east face. Convex curve to west. Approx. 5m. 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 III 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 de la 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 traditionally thought to form part of the Queen's Tower. It stands on a raised earth work. The Castle 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: SU6103189714