Wallingford

Wallingford is a historic market town on the river Thames in South Oxfordshire. M and I enjoyed a nice day trip with our U3a group. 

Wallingford developed around an important crossing point of the river Thames. There is evidence of Roman activity in the area, and the surrender of Stigand, an Anglo-Saxon churchman who became Archbishop of Canterbury, to William the Conqueror in 1066, led to William taking the throne and the creation of Wallingford Castle. 

It was once a great medieval building but now just a few walls remain. The castle and the town enjoyed royal status and flourished for much of the Middle Ages. The town then entered a period of decline after the arrival of the Black Death and falling out of favour with the Tudor monarchs, before being called on once again during the English Civil War. Wallingford held out as the last remaining Royalist stronghold in Berkshire before surrendering after a 16-week siege. Fearing that Wallingford Castle could be used in a future uprising, Oliver Cromwell ordered its destruction.

The grounds are very nice

I don't know if this little outcrop was significant

or the tiny doors

Although it was a small town, it once had 14 churches! which seems a tad excessive

now there are just three.

I'm a huge fan of the TV series Midsomer Murders. Wallingford was used as the fictitious town of Causton in the show. The Market Place, the Town Hall, the Corn Exchange, Wallingford Bridge, and some shops have all appeared in various episodes. As well as locations Wallingford also provided some cast too. Members of the Sinodun Players, Wallingford's amateur dramatics group have taken part as supporting artists in crowd scenes, and the Parish Choir has featured in three episodes. 

Without doubt Wallingford's most famous resident was Agatha Christie. In 1934, she and her new husband Max Mallowan purchased Winterbrook House, a substantial 18th century property, with seven acres of land sweeping down to the river Thames.

It became their home base for the rest of their lives  together, until Agatha passed away there peacefully in 1976.

Well Agatha, we've had a lovely day and the weather has been good.

∼ Be safe and well∼ 

Polly x