Remains Of Queen'S Tower At Su 6102 8971

The remains of the Queen's Tower are located on Castle Lane in Wallingford. This structure is likely from the 13th century and has undergone some alterations. The west face features coursed squared limestone, while the lower part of the east face is made of flint with tile bands, and the upper portion is a mixture of flint and stone. The tower fragment is approximately 5 meters long and 6 meters high, with a convex curve on the west side.

Historically, Wallingford Castle was established in 1067 by William the Conqueror and completed in 1071. It was expanded in the 13th century under King John and King Henry III. The castle changed hands several times, including being given to Piers Gaveston by Edward II in 1307 and later to Edward, The Black Prince, by Edward III in 1335, who invested significantly in its repairs. By the 1540s, the castle was in disrepair, with its stones repurposed for other buildings in the town. During the Civil War, it was fortified as a Royalist stronghold, and Charles I inspected the works in 1643. The castle was besieged in 1646, and on November 17, 1652, Cromwell's Council of State ordered its demolition. This fragment is traditionally believed to be part of the Queen's Tower and stands on a raised earthwork. The castle is recognized as an ancient monument.