the wallingford experience€¦ · wessex, defeated the enemy but to defend his kingdom against...

TheWallingford Experience

Includes history of Wallingford,

places to visit

and shopping guide...

2012/13Edition

The Town Information Centre 2

Places of Interest in Wallingford 4

Wallingford - an Ancient Borough 6

Judge Blackstone 11

Agatha Christie 12

Remembering Wilding & Andrew 13

Wallingford Museum 14

Wallingford Rowing Club 15

The River Thames 16

Riverside Moorings 17

A Unique Shopping Experience 18

Cholsey & Wallingford Railway 27

The Corn Exchange 27

Nearby Places to Visit 28

Accommodation 30

Website Information & Map 31

Weddings in the Town Hall 32

The Wallingford Experience is produced by Wallingford Town Council

Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents and information contained in this brochure were correct at time of going to press.

This is a Wallingford publication - Published by: Cllr Dee Cripps - Production by: NP Design & Print Ltd. 01491 824827

Contents

Town Information Centre

Town Information Centre - Undercroft - Town Hall - Market Place

T: 01491 826 972 E: [email protected]

The Information Centre is operated by the

Town Council covering the local area -

offering information on who to contact

and where to go for what, directions,

history and what’s on.

www.wallingford.co.uk

WELCOME TO WALLINGFORD

I believe Wallingford has a great

deal to offer the visitor and the

resident. Visit the Town Information

Centre in the Undercroft of the

Town Hall and pick up a leaflet and

follow one of the many maps

around the town. There are lots of

places to see!

Wallingford has a unique heritage,

once boasting one of the most

important and largest castles in

England. The Castle Meadows are steeped in

history and have been awarded the Green

Flag for its natural beauty.

We have strong ties with our neighbours RAF

Benson and have worked very closely with

them throughout the years. They are helping

us with many of this year’s special events

such as The Olympic Torch Relay which

comes through Wallingford in July. A few days

later, to show our appreciation of all the

Armed Forces, they will march through the

town into the Market Place to be greeted by

the Town Council in recognition of our

feelings for them as neighbours, friends and

Freeman of the town. This promises to be a

very colourful, musical and emotional event.

As you walk about our historic town I hope

you get the feeling that Wallingford is a

lived in community, not just a vibrant shopping

area. Many local families have lived-in or close

to its centre for generations and this is

something that we wish to promote and nurture.

We are proud to be individual, special and valued,

and not a town full of cloned high street outlets.

Have a walk around our saxon

Kinecroft, take a book into the

quiet Castle Gardens or sit by the

river and watch the swans or

kingfishers.

While enjoying the river you may

catch a glimpse of Wallingford

Rowing Club out training; many

past and present Olympians have

trained here.

If you are more energetic have a swim in our

heated outdoor pool which is open from May

to September, or play on the new water

feature but mind you don’t get squirted!

Midsomers Murders was partly filmed in

Wallingford and The Corn Exchange has

featured on several occasions. The Sinodun

Players also stage some very good plays and

in January they produce their own

pantomime- always a complete sell-out.

The BunkFest brings many visitors; the whole

town is invaded by people in the strangest of

costumes, doing the oddest dances, but all

having fun.

A dedicated team of volunteers run our local

museum. This year they have produced two

new exhibitions, one of the Diamond Jubilee

and a show case of memorabilia from local

Olympians- not to be missed.

As you can tell I’m very proud of Wallingford

having lived here for the past forty years, and

I would urge you to stay a while and enjoy it

with me.

Throughout the year local organisations put on a variety of events,

to find out more visit out Town Information Centre, or log onto

3

4

Wallingford is a small country market town on

the banks of the River Thames about 50 miles

to the west of London. It is well connected by

road and local bus services to Oxford, Reading

and Henley, and the nearby main line railway

station at Cholsey. Wallingford is an ideal place

in which to enjoy a days visit or to take a short

break to explore the surrounding countryside.

The town centre is dominated by the Town

Hall, a timber-framed building constructed near

to the site of the Guild Hall in 1670. It is here

that the Town’s silver-gilt mace (made in 1650

at a cost of £46 18s 3d) is kept, together with

the Town Plate and paintings. The open area

underneath was once used for market stalls. It

now houses the Town Information Centre

which provides information about all of the

local centres of interest and places to stay. The

Charter Market is still held in the Market Place

every Friday, and a Farmers’ Market takes

place on the third Tuesday of each month.

On the east side of the Market Place is the

former Corn Exchange (built in 1856) the roof

of which is supported inside by iron beams

cast by Wilder’s, a local foundry. The Sinodun

Players now own the building and provide a

varied programme of amateur productions,

professional touring companies and up-to-date

films. Agatha Christie, a former president of

the Sinodun Players, lived on the outskirts of

Wallingford for 40 years and is buried nearby

in Cholsey churchyard.

Local history is the theme of Wallingford

Museum which is housed in the medieval, oak-

beamed Flint House in the High Street opposite

the Kinecroft. The Wallingford Story is an

exciting ’Sight & Sound’ experience which

enables you to walk through time from the

Romans and Saxons to the Civil War.

The Regal Centre, a converted cinema near the

Market Place, is now home to many events

including an annual Blues and Beer Festival and

the weekly Country Market (W.I.). Regular

sporting activities also held here include table

tennis, keep fit, short mat bowls and

badminton.

Many of Wallingford’s narrow lanes, and some

of the wider streets, follow the alignment of

the original Saxon roads. Leaflets showing

routes for Walking Tours of the Town are

available from the Town Information Centre

and Wallingford Museum. The routes are

carefully chosen to ensure that visitors get the

most interest from their time here.

In 2001 Wallingford Castle Meadows were

bought by the South Oxfordshire District

Council. The site is managed for informal

Places of Interest

in Wallingford

5

recreation and, although only a few fragments

of the walls remain, the earthworks and

meadows have undergone a transformation

into a delightful area to walk around and enjoy

the ecological and historical nature of the site.

The Castle Gardens are owned by the Town

Council and provide a colourful haven of peace

and quiet near to the town centre. They have

won numerous awards for their design and

maintenance. The gardens are accessed from

Castle Street at the back of the George Hotel.

Wallingford was important historically because

of its excellent ford, and today the same

crossing place has one of the finest bridges on

the River Thames. At 300m long it is only 5m

shorter than the old London Bridge. The river

has always brought particular delight whether

looking towards the Chilterns or towards the

town from the Crowmarsh side. One of the

more impressive landmarks is the spire of St

Peter’s Church with its delicate open design.

The church includes a Morris and Co. design in

one of its windows, and the tomb of Sir William

Blackstone. The church is now home to a

series of concerts during the summer given by

established professional musicians and rising

stars from the Royal School of Music.

Steam buffs must plan to visit the Cholsey and

Wallingford Railway which runs special steam

and theme days from its station in Hithercroft

Road Wallingford to the main line station

at Cholsey.

The really energetic visitor should call in at the

Wallingford Sports Park in the south west

corner of the Town. This site is the centre for

cricket, rugby, tennis, football, hockey, skittles

and squash. Or, if being on or in water is more

in your line, then Wallingford offers an open-

air heated swimming pool by the bridge and a

top class Rowing Club.

To make your visit even more enjoyable,

Wallingford provides a wide variety of places

to eat and drink and to suit all tastes. We offer

traditional English meals and food from India,

Thailand, China, Italy and all forms of snacks

from pub food to pizzas. For visitors who wish

to stay a little longer the town has a 15th

century hotel in the town centre (where legend

has it that Dick Turpin once stayed) and

another hotel on the banks of the River Thames

at nearby Shillingford. Bed-and-breakfast

accommodation, and caravan and camping

sites are also available.

This is just a sample of all the things that

Wallingford has to offer its visitors. For more

information contact the Town Information

Centre. Tel: 01491 826972 (see inside front

cover for more details)

6

Wallingford is a town steeped in history.

From the medieval bridge over the

Thames to the grassy banks of its ancient

fortifications, it proclaims a colourful

past. It’s a town of surprises with the

bustle of the Market Place and the

tranquillity of the quiet back-streets -

a place to explore.

Earliest Times

It was the river that first attracted settlers

to the area and in the Bronze and Iron

Ages the rich soils encouraged farming

communities. The Romans in turn left

traces of occupation - burials, roads,

coins and pottery, but it was left to the

Anglo-Saxons to build the first town.

A large 6th century pagan cemetery

found in Wallingford indicates the early

presence of the Saxon newcomers but by

the 9th century there was another

invasion threat - this time from the

Vikings. King Alfred, the Saxon king of

Wessex, defeated the enemy but to

defend his kingdom against further Viking

attacks he built many fortified towns or

burhs and here the story of the town

really begins.

The Town is Born

Wallingford was the biggest of Alfred’s

newly fortified towns - as large as his

capital, Winchester. It was enclosed on

three sides by earthen walls, capped with

a wooden palisade and surrounded by a

wet moat - the remains of which can still

be seen today, mostly clearly in the

Kinecroft, Bullcroft and

castle grounds. The river

and a bridgehead formed

the fourth side of the

town’s defence and the

original 9th century street

layout is still largely

unchanged. St Leonard’s

church has surviving

Anglo-Saxon features, and as you shop in

Waitrose, spare a thought for the long

lost Saxon church of St Martin and its

former worshippers who lie quietly

beneath in a large cemetery! Coins were

struck in Wallingford at a Royal Mint and

Saxon kings held land in the town and

kept soldiers here. By 1066, when the

next invader arrived, Wallingford was the

leading town in Berkshire.

Wallingford - an Ancient Borough

7

1066 and All That!

In 1066, fresh from winning the Battle of

Hastings, William the Conqueror came to

Wallingford seeking a suitable place to

cross the Thames with his army. Wigod,

the lord of Wallingford, welcomed

William, and for their co-operation the

people of Wallingford were given an extra

hour before curfew - 9pm instead of 8pm.

The curfew bell still tolls just before nine,

declaring the king’s ancient favour. One of

William’s knights married Wigod’s

daughter and, on William’s instructions,

the Normans began in 1067 to build a

massive castle here which was to

dominate the

town’s history

for the next

600 years.

Granting ofthe Charter

- 1155

The first phase

of Wallingford

Castle was

complete by 1071 but it was later

expanded to have three walls and ditches

and to be one of the most impressive and

powerful castles in England. During the

12th century Civil War between Queen

Matilda and her cousin

Stephen, Wallingford

was the chief

stronghold of the

Queen in central

England and here the

treaty that concluded

the war was first

agreed in 1153.

In 1155, Henry II held his first Great

Council at Wallingford. He openly

rewarded the town for

supporting his mother

Matilda, by granting it a

magnificent Charter of

Liberties - one of the oldest in

England. Together with many

special privileges, this

Charter confirmed

Wallingford’s ancient rights

to have its own Guild and

Burgesses and to hold regular

markets, traditions which

continue to this day. The

town’s regalia, including the

17th century silver-gilt mace,

are still used and are

displayed in the Town Hall.

The Medieval Town

By the 13th century, Wallingford had 11

parishes, each with its own church - one

of which was also the Priory, a cell of St

Alban’s Abbey. Besides these there was

the Free Hospital of St John, a College of

Canons of St Nicholas in the castle and

two gate chapels.

By the end of the next century, the

ravages of the Black Death had taken

their toll. At least a third of the

townspeople died and only four

churches were left in use. This, together

with the growth of rival towns and the

building of a new bridge at Abingdon as

an alternative route for traders, had led to

a severe economic decline in the life of

the town.

Royal Connections

The castle belonged to the King but in the

14th century it became part of the Duchy

of Cornwall, passing to the eldest son of

the monarch. It always witnessed

frequent royal visitors and residents,

including King John and his younger son,

Richard Earl of Cornwall, who greatly

extended it. Edward II gave it to his

favourite, Piers Gaveston, who held a

huge tournament in the castle ward in

1307. Edward II’s wife, Isabella, plotted

here against her husband with Roger

Mortimer, who was involved in Edward’s

subsequent murder. Isabella spent her

later life living in the castle. Her

grandson, Edward the Black Prince, kept

Wallingford as his principal residence.

Constables appointed to look after the

castle included Thomas Chaucer (son of

the poet Geoffrey) and William, Duke of

Suffolk, and his wife Alice, (Geoffrey’s

grand-daughter) who were benefactors of

the 15th century school and almshouses

which are still in use in nearby Ewelme.

Also in the 15th century, Owen Tudor had

the task of protecting the young King

Henry VI who was tutored at Wallingford

Castle. Owen formed a liaison with

Henry’s young widowed mother,

Katherine of Valois, and from this affair

came the great line of the Tudor Kings of

England.

Change & Decay

By the 16th century the castle was

decaying. There was less need for strong

castles in the more settled times of the

Tudors and Henry VIII shipped timber and

lead from Wallingford down river by

barge to enlarge his castle at Windsor.

Wallingford & the Civil War 1642-1651

When a dispute arose between Charles I

and Parliament, Wallingford Castle once

more had a major role to play in a Civil

War. The King, driven out of London, set

up his court in Oxford. Round this

Royalist centre a ring of strongholds was

established to protect the King and

Wallingford Castle was one of them - re-

fortified to meet the challenge of modern

warfare. The Governor,

Colonel Blagge, repaired

the inner castle walls and

demolished the nearby All

Hallows Church to prevent

its use as an enemy gun

emplacement. The king

made several visits to

8

Wallingford and castle troops

were engaged in many local

skirmishes and battles.

Wallingford

Under Siege

By 1646, events had turned

against the King. He was

forced to leave Oxford, which

surrendered to Parliament in

June. Now only Wallingford

remained, its garrison

faithfully holding the town and

castle for the King under the

leadership of Colonel Blagge.

After a twelve week siege, the

king was defeated elsewhere,

so honourable surrender

terms were finally agreed.

Colonel Blagge’s men almost

mutinied over lack of pay, but

on July 27th 1646, he led his

gallant garrison out of

Wallingford Castle with full

honours. They were allowed

to march, with their weapons

at the ready, ten miles from

the town before disbanding to

return to their homes.

The castle was then

garrisoned by Parliament and

used as a prison but in 1652

Oliver Cromwell’s Council of

State decided it was too great

a risk to allow it to remain.

They ordered - and paid for -

its total demolition. The castle

stone was sold and some of it

was used to build a new tower

for St Mary’s church.

9

Wallingford - The Later Years

After the demolition of the castle,

Wallingford settled down to its role as an

ordinary market town. Its brewing and

malting industries, together with later

iron-founding, complemented the rural

communities in the surrounding area and

survived until fairly

recently.

Of the town’s

numerous parish

churches there are just

three left today - but

they and the many non-

conformist chapels are

worth a visit.

St Leonard’s is the

earliest, with late Saxon

work in the walls and

Norman work inside. St

Mary’s was rebuilt in

the 19th century but it

retains the 17th century

tower built from the

castle stone and the

monuments inside

reflect the many

benefactors of the

town. St Peter’s is now

a redundant church but

it is notable for its 18th

century architecture

and spire and as the

burial place of the

famed Sir William

Blackstone who was a

churchwarden, living

most of his later life in

nearby Castle Priory.

He is internationally famed for his law

books, written in Wallingford, which

formed the basis of the Constitution of

the United States. For 21 years, from 1749

to 1770, when he was appointed Justice in

the Court of Common Pleas, he was

Recorder of Wallingford,

presiding over the

Quarter Sessions in

the Town Hall where

there is now a Blue

Plaque in his memory.

The present Roman

Catholic Church in the

Market Place began life as a

Congregational chapel in 1799! The

Baptist Church was founded in 1794 and

the Methodist chapel was built in 1870. A

fine Quaker Meeting House, opened in

1724, is tucked away in Castle Street.

The railway came in 1866 in the form of a

branch line from Cholsey and the ’Bunk',

as it was known, continued until the axe

fell in 1959. Now the Cholsey &

Wallingford Railway Preservation Society

runs the line.

Wallingford continues its long tradition as

a Market Town but today the medieval

stalls have been replaced by a weekly

Friday Market, a monthly Farmers’

Market, and an exciting mixture of

independent businesses, long-established

family shops and a supermarket. It also

seems appropriate that there is a wealth

of antique shops in the town to delight

collectors and browsers with remnants of

the past, whilst the town’s delightful

museum in the High Street brings the

whole Wallingford Story vividly to life.

© Judy & Stuart Dewey 2009

St. Leonard’s

St. Mary’s

St. Peter’s

10

11

William Blackstone was born in London in

1723, the posthumous son of a silk mercer. He

was orphaned at 12, but through the

generosity of two of his mother’s family,

(Charles and Thomas Bigg, distant kinsmen of

Walter Bigg who founded Wallingford School),

he was educated at Charterhouse, where he

became Head of School. At the age of 15, he

went on to Pembroke College, Oxford to gain

a degree in Civil Law.

In 1741 he entered the Inner Temple in London

and two years later was elected a Fellow of All

Souls College, Oxford where he quickly rose

to become Senior Bursar and acquired a

reputation as a man who got things done.

Meanwhile, he had also been called to the Bar

in London but his inability to speak fluently in

public made him an unsuccessful barrister, so

he left London to become an Oxford

academic. In 1758, after some successful

involvement in University politics, he became

the first Vinerian Professor of Common Law.

He was just 35.

Importantly for Wallingford, he had also taken

over a job from his lawyer uncle, Seymour

Richmond, - that of Recorder of Wallingford -

an office he held for 21 years, from 1749 to

1770. The Recorder was basically Magistrate

for the Borough which meant that he presided

over the Quarter Sessions held in the Town

Hall. When he was in Wallingford, Blackstone

lived in a house in Thames Street leased for

him by Thomas Bigg. Around 1758, Blackstone

purchased the property which became his

principal home until his death. He

substantially rebuilt the house as an

18th century mansion with

considerably enlarged grounds. It is

now known as Castle Priory.

In 1761 he married Sarah Clitherow

by whom he had nine children. The

following day he was

made King’s Counsel

(KC). Two years later

he was appointed

Solicitor General to

Charlotte, wife of the

future King George III.

Judge Blackstone is

internationally famed

for his books, written

whilst he was a

resident of Wallingford.

Between 1765 and 1776, he

published four volumes of

lectures called Commentaries on

the Laws of England. It was the first major

attempt to create a reference book on English

civil law and it rapidly became a fundamental

legal textbook, earning him a fortune.

Following the American Declaration of

Independence in 1776, the Commentaries

formed the basis of the new United States

Constitution and legal system and

Blackstone’s is a familiar name to most

Americans.

He gave up his post as Recorder of

Wallingford in 1770 when he was appointed

Justice in the Court of Common Pleas and was

knighted by King George III, but he spent most

of his later life at Castle Priory and was

Churchwarden of St Peter’s. Between 1769

and 1775 he encouraged the re-building of

St Peter’s Church and he donated

money towards the Spire and gave the

Communion Silver.

He suffered ill-health towards the end

of his life and died at the age of 57

on 14 February 1780 - he is buried in

St Peter’s Church where there

is a memorial to him.

© 2007 Judy & Stuart Dewey

Judge Blackstone & Wallingford

Agatha Christie, ‘The Queen of Crime’, is one

of Wallingford’s best kept secrets. She and her

husband, the eminent archaeologist Sir Max

Mallowan, lived at Winterbrook House on the

outskirts of Wallingford from 1934 until her

death in 1976. She and Sir Max owned other

houses in Devon and London, but Wallingford

was ‘home’ according to her grandson

Mathew Pritchard. Here she found the peace

to write many of her later novels. Wallingford

is mentioned in Cards on the Table (1936) and

descriptions of ‘Market Basing’ in Dumb

Witness (1937) are thought to refer to

Wallingford.

She took care to avoid any local publicity but

she agreed to become President of The

Sinodun Players drama group in 1951 and

thoroughly enjoyed attending performances,

especially pantomimes, of which she was very

fond. A series of letters testify to her

involvement and form part of a special

exhibition about her at Wallingford Museum.

She died in the week that the Sinodun Players

announced their intention to convert the Corn

Exchange to a theatre.

Her husband Sir Max Mallowan, writing

shortly after Agatha’s death, commented:

‘What was truly valuable in Wallingford was

her privacy and freedom from social

involvement for in this way she was able to

devote her time to creative work which gave

pleasure to millions.’

Winterbrook House lies just within the Parish

of Cholsey and Agatha was a regular

worshipper at Cholsey Church. She is buried

with Sir Max in the north-west corner of

Cholsey churchyard – a place of pilgrimage for

visitors from all over the world who have

enjoyed her eighty novels and short story

collections and her plays. More than two

billion copies of her books have been sold

worldwide in more than forty-five languages.

The murder theme in Wallingford is also

known worldwide through the Midsomer

Murders television series where the town has

featured as ‘Causton’, home of Inspector

Barnaby, in several episodes. The first was

Death of a Hollow Man, set in the ‘Causton

Theatre’ (Wallingford Corn Exchange).

Several of the Sinodun Players appear

regularly as supporting artistes.

© 2011 Judy & Stuart Dewey

12

Agatha Christie

On the 9th September 1944, the 426

(Thunderbird) Squadron, 4 Group, Bomber

Command, of the Royal Canadian Air Force

left Linton-on-Ouse, York. They were to make

a sortie to Le Havre but the weather made it

impossible to bomb with accuracy and the

attack was called off.

One Halifax VII bomber, NP68I was hit by flak.

To land safely back in Linton several bombs

were ditched in the English Channel, leaving

ten 500lb bombs on board. The plane was

engulfed in smoke and flames. The pilot, John

Wilding, gave the order to abandon the

aircraft. MacKay, the rear gunner, advised that

the turret was unserviceable. Wilding told him

not to panic, to do the best he could to get out

saying “I’ll try to hold it”.

MacKay using his feet pushed until the door

gave way. An explosion followed and he rolled

out through a sheet of flames and landed with

an injured left leg.

The wireless operator, Thorb (Tommy)

Thompson bailed out, as did the navigator,

Ed O’Meara. The bomb aimer, Len Irving, was

the last to leave by the front hatch.

During its last few moments the aircraft

was guided between Wallingford and

Benson. It was seen to turn over on its

back and spin in.

The plane came down at Newnham

Murren, Crowmarsh, about 500 yards

from the eastern boundary of Wallingford.

Three tons of bombs still aboard, the

aircraft exploded, the blast shaking the

town’s buildings and shattering windows.

John Wilding’s body was found a few hundred

yards away from the crater where the

aircraft hit.

John Andrew’s body was found about twenty-

five yards away from John Wilding with his

parachute harness attached, his parachute

pack lying unopened

beside his body.

Flying Officer

J.A.Wilding, although

from New York City,

emigrated with his

family from Bolton in

Lancashire. He was

on his 20th sortie. He

is buried in the

Brookwood Military

Cemetery in Woking,

Surrey. For his actions

with the Squadron he

was awarded the

DFC and an MiD

posthumously.

Sergeant J.F.Andrew,

is buried in Kerry

Cemetery, Powys. He

was credited with

15 sorties.

On the 21st May 1960 a

cairn and plaque in memory

of the two airmen who were

killed was unveiled. It

stands at the junction of

Wilding and Andrew roads

which are named after

them.

A service of Thanksgiving

and Remembrance has been

a statutory part of the Town events and every

9th September the Canadian flag flies over the

town hall.

Pilot: Flying Officer J.A.Wilding, DFC RCAF

(killed) aged 23 from New York.

Crew: Sgt J.F.Andrew, RAF Voluntary Reserve,

(killed) aged 22 from Wales.

Flying Officer E.N.O’Meara RCAF.

Flight Sgt R.M.Irving RCAF.

Flight Sgt R.T.Thompson RCAF.

Flight Sgt G.W.McCreary RCAF.

Flight Sgt P.W.MacKay RCAF (injured).

Remembering Wilding & Andrew

13

Wallingford Museum is a

colourful and delightfully

intimate local history

museum, housed on two

floors in the medieval

oak-beamed Flint House

opposite the Saxon

ramparts in the Kinecroft and next to the Public

Library. There is ample car-parking behind the

nearby Waitrose.

Run entirely by volunteers, the Museum

opened in 1981 and expanded in 2005. If you

can, allow 11/2 hours for your visit - but if you

keep your season ticket you can always come

back again!

The permanent displays tell The Wallingford

Story – from before the existence of the town

through the Saxon burh and royal medieval

stronghold to the modern day. At the heart of

this is our free audio-tour – no captions to read

but instead an unfolding maze brought to life by

commentary, music and sound effects. A scale

model of Wallingford Castle reveals its

enormous size and there's a special exhibit

about Wallingford Priory - a cell of St Alban's

Abbey where the famous medieval clockmaker,

Richard of Wallingford, was adopted by

the monks.

Elsewhere, in the Victorian Courtyard there is

a walk-in shop, a pub, a workshop and a

Workhouse peep-show. The Transport Gallery

tells the story of river, road and railway, with

historic photographs, models of Wallingford

Bridge, Thames weirs and Wallingford Station.

Special features on local celebrities include

Judge Blackstone, author of the famous

Commentaries on the Laws of England which

influenced the Constitution and laws of the

USA; Dame Agatha Christie, 'Queen of

Crime', who lived in the town for forty years;

and a group of Victorian Artists, the Leslie &

Hayllar families and their neighbour Claude

Rowbotham.

Each year sees new special exhibitions and the

museum is always family friendly with activities

such as 'Touchy Feely' drawers and digging in

sandpits for real archaeological finds.

Wallingford Museum is open every year from

March to November, 2.00-5.00pm every

weekday except Monday, 10.30am-5.00pm on

Saturdays and 2.00-5.00pm on Sundays (June-

Aug) & Bank Hols. Accompanied children are

free and adult tickets give unlimited admission

all season. For details of prices, group & school

visits (inc. out of hours) and guided walks - see

www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

Welcome to Wallingford Museum

14

15

Wallingford has always been well known

and famous for the river, indeed taking its

name from the crossing it provided to

people and animals. A whole host of

people are still actively using the river,

especially the town’s oarsmen and

women. The Rowing Club is situated in an

old part of the town by the river on the

longest stretch of water on the “Upper

Thames”. This six and a half mile stretch

between the locks of Benson and Cleeve

gives plenty of uninterrupted water for its

members to train on.

In the club’s relatively young history (over

60 years) crews from Wallingford have

become feared and respected by other

boat clubs all over the country. They have

had success on several occasions at

Henley Royal Regatta and many of the

members have represented Great Britain

at the World Championships and Olympic

Games.

Great Britain’s

youngest male

Olympian; Ken

Lester, a cox in

the 1960 Rome

Olympics was

born in the

same year as

the Rowing Club

was founded. He is still living in

Wallingford and continues to enjoy using

the Club’s facilities.

Wallingford Rowing Club

New members and visitors, both active

and social are always welcome.

For further information visit

www.wallingfordrc.co.uk

The River Thames

Welcome to the River Thames which flows

through South Oxfordshire for approximately

48 miles, the longest stretch of the river in any

one county.

One of the many ways to explore the Thames

is by boat and organised boat trips run in the

summer months from the Riverside Park.

Nearby Benson has rowing boats, canoes and

motorboats for hire by the hour.

Alternatively, for the more energetic, you

could walk the Thames Path. Our stretch of the

Thames at Wallingford is one of the most

beautiful in the country.

A sight not to be missed is Royal Swan Upping,

an annual ceremonial voyage along the River

Thames in which a census of the swan

population is taken. It takes place during the

third week in July of each year.

Riverside Park

The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford

Oxfordshire OX10 8EB

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 835232

Bridge Villa Caravan & Camping

The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford

Oxfordshire OX10 8HB

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836860

Our Riverside Park has recently undergone

refurbishment with easy access and plentiful

parking. It’s the perfect venue for you to enjoy

a picnic, the outdoor heated swimming pool

and the paddling pool.

If its camping or caravanning you’re after, here

are two superb sites within easy walking

distance of the river and town.

16

For visitors to the town arriving by way of the

river, there are excellent moorings located just

north of, and very close to, the ancient

Wallingford Bridge. To tie up here brings one

close to the centre of historic Wallingford

having travelled through the beautiful South

Oxfordshire countryside, the setting for Jerome

K. Jerome’s story, ‘ Three Men In a Boat ’ and

the stretch of river used by the Oxford Boat

Race crew for training.

Resting here beside the ancient bridge one can

absorb some of Wallingford’s history. All this

and only a few minutes walk from the centre of

town for some shopping, with many small

independent shops to explore including The

Lamb Antiques Arcade.

Find out more about the town at the Museum

located in the High Street and the Town

Information Centre in the Market Place, while

you are there why not visit the Corn Exchange

which is featured as Causton in the TV

drama Midsomer Murders, then relax in

one of the many coffee shops, pubs

and restaurants.

What better spot to stay awhile with excellent

moorings on both sides of the river with on-site

facilities which include waste, recycling

facilities and a stand pipe for the collection of

water. The shower block is situated within the

campsite and the swimming pool area.

Welcome to Wallingford moorings and the

gateway to a wonderful experience.

1717

Riverside Moorings

18

Wallingford today offers a wonderful mix of

old and new. We have it all; unspoilt riverside

with a towpath beside the meadows, heated

open air swimming pool, landscaped acres of

the Kinecroft & Bullcroft Park, prize winning

Castle Gardens, an ancient town centre with

c17th Town Hall and narrow Saxon streets

which house many excellent and varied shops.

We start our visit in the High Street with its

Antique shops and Goldsmiths. The Lamb

Arcade, once an old coaching inn, is now a

unique shopping experience, at the crossroads

Waitrose have a quality superstore. Walk a

little further and you will find a Health &

Fitness Centre and a shop specialising in

Violins, Violas and Cellos.

Apart from the Town Hall and Corn Exchange

in the Market Place you can find a Chemists,

Stationers and Ladies Fashion Shops.

St Mary’s Street is full of surprises with Art &

Craft materials, Antiquarian and Second-hand

bookshops, Sportswear, Bridal Centre, Shoe

Repairers, Toy Shop, Christian Book Shop,

Cycle Centre, Beauty Salon plus Hats and

Accessories for every occasion. Leading on to

St Leonard’s Square where a Patchwork and

Quilting Centre can be found.

Wander down St Martin’s Street where there

is a jeweller with New, Second-hand and

Antique Jewels, Ladies Fashion Accessories &

Clothing, Interior Design shop, Travel Agents,

Bookshop, Tea & Coffee shop with its own

blends, and of course Pettits, South

Oxfordshire’s leading Department Store.

You will find the area surrounding St Mary’s

Arcade has been sympathetically restored as

a delightful shopping area with a picturesque

courtyard, Beauty Salon, Craft Shop and

trendy Photographers all of which can be

found here.

Seek out St Peter’s Place where they have a

specialist Lighting and Accessories shop,

Unisex Hairdressers, Curtain Design Centre, a

Sales & Hire Centre,

Castle Street is home to an Office Supplies

shop and a Thai Restaurant situated in the

historical cellars of the Lamb Arcade.

If our specialist shops are not enough to tempt

you, then we can help you with everything

from Accountants to planning your wedding in

the Town Hall. If it’s Markets you’re interested

in we have plenty including the weekly Friday

Charter Market, Country Market and on the

3rd Tuesday of every month we have an

extensive Farmers Market on the market

place and Local Producers Market in the

Regal Centre.

We have it all - Culture, History, the River

Thames and Shops with friendly staff. There

are also plenty of inviting Pubs, Restaurants

and Cafes for you to relax in and enjoy.

We look forward to sharing all of this with you!

Welcome to Wallingford - a Unique Shopping Experience...

Wallingford Tandoori

4 High Street

01491 836249

Summers Davies Antiques

Calleva House 6 High Street

01491 836284

Mike Ottery Antiques

16 High Street

01491 836429

Castle Osteopathic & Natural Health Clinic

23 High Street

01491 838363

Spirit Hair Salon

23-24 High Street

01491 834155

Forresters Hair Salon

25 High Street

01491 837523

O’Donnell Antiques

26 High Street

01491 839332

Brooker & Breeze - Goldsmiths

27 High Street

01491 835050

San Sicario - Italian Restaurant

28 High Street

01491 834078

The Gallery

30 High Street

01491 828202

The Boat House - Bar & Grill

103 High Street

01491 834100

The Gate House - Public House

High Street

01491 824406

Classic Cleaners - Laundry & Dry Cleaners

91 High Street

01491 837112

Avanti Italian Restaurant

85 High Street

01491 835500

The George Hotel

High Street

01491 836665

HIGH STREET Left hand side from bridge

HIGH STREETRight hand side from bridge

19

2020

Wallingford Squash Club & Sports Shop

86 High Street

01491 835072

NatWest Bank

High Street

0845 6041604

The Lamb Arcade - Lifestyle Centre,

featuring; Antiques, Vintage, Retro Relics,

and Modern Classics

83 High Street

01491 835166

Oxfam - Charity Shop

81 High Street

01491 834179

Mary Handy

Hair & Beauty Salon

80 High Street

01491 598323

Welcome - Chinese Take Away

79 High Street

01491 839112

Anokhi Cuisine - Bangladeshi and

Indian Restaurant

76 High Street

01491 838077

Waters Violins

75 High Street

01491 825616

Style Acre Charity Shop

74 High Street

01491 824627

Thames Valet - Dry Cleaners & Launderers

73 High Street

01491 834077

Thomas Merrifield - Estate Agents

72 High Street

01491 833833

Stan James Racing - Bookmakers

68 High Street

Delhi Brasserie - Indian Restaurant

66 High Street

01491 824597 or 01491 826666

Smarts Fish & Chips - Takeaway

64 - 65 High Street

01491 824411

Wallingford Museum

Flint House

High Street

01491 835065

Wallingford Library

High Street

01491 837395

The Cross Keys - Public House

48 High Street

01491 826377

HIGH STREET Right hand side from bridge

2121

MARKET PLACE

Julian Graves - Niche Health Foods

1 Market Place

01491 839564

Barclays Bank

2 Market Place

0845 7555555

Costa Coffee

3 Market Place

01491 837990

Lloyds Bank

4 Market Place

0845 0723333

Corn Exchange - Theatre & Cinema

Market Place

01491 825000

Greggs Bakers

6 Market Place

01491 836267

Boots The Chemist

7 - 8 Market Place

01491 839061

First Edition - Ladies Fashion & Shoes

9 Market Place

01491 837195

Branching Out - Florist

13 Market Place

01491 833366

Mistral - Ladies Fashion

14 Market Place

01491 832797

Cancer Research - Charity Shop

17 Market Place

01491 837475

KP Stationers

18 Market Place

01491 837979

Post Office

Rear of Feathers Yard

01491 837979

Lloyds Pharmacy

20 - 21 Market Place

01491 836206

Coral Bookmakers

23 Market Place

0800 242232

Helen & Douglas House - Charity Shop

24 Market Place

01491 833589

Wallingford Town Information Centre

Undercroft, Town Hall, Market Place

01491 826972

22

ST MARY’S STREETLeft hand side from High Street

Artmatters - Art & Craft Materials

1 St Mary’s Street

01491 826686

The Dolphin - Public House


01491 837377

Clarks - Shoe Retailers


01491 836112

Allen & Harris - Estate Agents


01491 835135

Champion & Co Ltd - Ironmongers


01491 836271

House of Cards - Greetings Cards etc


01491 826750

Toby English - Antiquarian and Second

Hand Bookshop


01491 836389

Chancellors - Estate Agents


01491 837567

Pizza Express


01491 833431

Shoes in Twos


01491 826620

Nationwide Building Society


01491 881800

Sportswise


01491 834585

HomeBase Management - Letting Agents

16(B) St Mary’s Street

01491 824470

Just Trading of Wallingford Ltd


01491 824778

The Bridelicious Boutique


01491 826699

Elaine Mathews - Dressmaker


07880 973252

Feet First - Shoe Repairs & Travel Goods


01491 825224

Thames Hair Salon - Barbers


01491 837124

Buskers Gift Centre


01491 839771

Kev’s Toy Shop


01491 825136

The Fountain Christian Bookshop

21b St Mary’s Street

01491 839511

Julies - Ladies Hairdressers


01491 836030

Beauty Corner


01491 836626

Beijing Diner - Chinese Restaurant


01491 826908

The Partridge - Country Pub & Eating


01491 825005

Patricia Hayselden & Partners - Opticians


01491 835466

Full Circle - Travel Agents


01491 834827

Mary Brookes - Ladies Fashion


01491 838110

Bloc Brazilian - Coffee Shop


07812 101604

A Step Ahead - Hair Studio


01491 832323

Mr Simms - Olde Sweet Shop

56a St Mary’s Street

Oxfam - Charity Shop

53b St Mary’s Street

01491 835831

Rags in Bags - Ladies Wear

53a St Mary’s Street

01491 838819

Classic Beauty - Beauty Salon


01491 832432

Indigo Rye - Hairdressers


01491 834141

Pettits of Wallingford - Department Store

46 - 50 St Mary’s Street

01491 835253

The Gallery Coffee Shop

First Floor

Pettits of Wallingford

46 - 50 St Mary’s Street

01491 835253

Cutler Architects


01491 838130

JP Knight - Property Agents


01491 834349

The Coachmakers Arms Tavern


01491 832231

Louise Claire Millinery


01491 826244

23

ST MARY’S STREETRight hand side from High Street

24

ST MARTINS STREET Right hand side from High Street

Waitrose

1 St Martin’s Street

01491 832030

Sue Ryder - Charity Shop


01491 825714

Taylors -

Estate Agents


01491 836651

Salvador’s Deli

5a St Martin’s Street

01491 825708

The Old Post Office -

Restaurant

St Martin’s Street

01491 839348

U.S.A Takeaway


01491 835777

Wallingford Tea &

Coffee Shop


01491 836263

Robert Stanley Opticians


01491 837033

The Flower Studio - Florist


01491 825365

Care Dry Cleaners

10b St Martin’s Street

01491 837318

Wallingford Bookshop

10c St Martin’s Street

01491 834383

Rides on Air - Cycle Shop


01491 836289

Triangle Travel


01491 825155

Blockbusters Video


01491 825398

Lesters - Estate Agents


01491 824000

Poppycraft - Craftwork Materials

1 St Mary’s Arcade

01491 833344

Pizza Cafe


01491 826222

Hornsby Dunmore -

Gift Emporium


01491 825742

More Than Images

5-7 St Mary’s Arcade

0800 5427852

25

MGJ Jewellers Ltd


01491 834336

Occasions Unlimited - Cards & Gifts

1b St Martin’s Street

Bloomers - Sandwich Bar & Restaurant


01491 825465

Masterfloors


01491 833701

Swaggers - Fashion Accessories & Clothing


01491 824022

Bijoux Gallerie Ltd - Gifts and Jewellery


01491 835485

Sibos - Mens Hairdressers


01491 838505

Down To Earth - Local Produce


01491 837711

Gary Smith Butchers & Fishmongers


01491 833553

ST MARTINS STREETLeft hand side from High Street

ST LEONARD’S SQUAREST MARY’S ARCADE

Village Fabrics - Patchwork &

Quilting Supplies

4-5 St Leonard’s Square

01491 204100

Look In - Hairdressing for Men

St Leonard’s Square

07710 479003

The Green Tree - Public House

St Leonard’s Square

01491 835355

26

CASTLE STREET

Boots Opticians

Incorporating Dollond & Aitchison

I Castle Street

01491 833200

Hong Kong House - Chinese Take Away

2 Castle Street

01491 835453

Higgs - Printing & Office Supplies

3 Castle Street

01491 837205

In-House Estate Agents

4 Castle Street

01491 839999

The Thai Corner

Lamb Arcade

Castle Street

01491 825050

Clean Machine - Sales & Hire Centre

1-2 St Peters Place

01491 825600

A.G. Curtain Design

3 St Peters Place

01491 834238

First Cut - Ladies Hairdresser

4 St Peters Place

01491 833225

Illumin-Nation Ltd - Lighting & Accessories

5 St Peters Place

01491 833505

ST PETERS PLACE

27

The Cholsey and Wallingford

Railway has been preserving

Wallingford’s railway heritage since 1981.

The ex-GWR branch line runs for nearly 3

miles through the countryside and terminates

at the village of Cholsey. From here

passengers may board trains to Reading,

Oxford and beyond.

The railway society has 5 residential heritage

diesel locomotives and various visiting steam

engines; all of our passenger carrying rolling

stock is over 50 years old.

The railway is open for passengers on

approximately 35 days per year between

Easter and Christmas. Special events are

run at Easter, Halloween, Christmas and

at BunkFest.

Visitors are always welcome to look around on

non-running days. There is usually somebody

at the station on most weekends.

The railway is a non profit making charitable

trust which is staffed entirely by volunteers.

If you could become a volunteering member

and help out at the railway please come along

- you will receive a warm welcome.

Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

The Corn Exchange

Theatre, Cinema & Bar

Films, Theatre, Comedy, Music and a

warm welcome at Wallingford’s

independent cinema and theatre.

Bar open Friday and Saturday morning

and pre-show in the evening.

Box office open for callers and phone

bookings 10:00 - 13:00 Friday and

Saturday and 19:00 - 20:00 every

evening.

01491 825000 CornExchange.org.uk

Facebook.com/CornExchangeWallingford

The Corn Exchange

Whether you are visiting the

Town for a day or planning a

longer break to enjoy the

surrounding area, there are

opportunities to make the best of

your visit whatever your age

or interests.

The Island Farm Donkey

Sanctuary in the nearby village

of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is an

independent charity dedicated to

the welfare of mistreated and

neglected donkeys. Visitors are

welcomed throughout the year

but it is recommended that you

telephone first to make sure that

the staff are available to show

you around.

Earth Trust Estate owns and

manages the Wittenham Clumps,

Little Wittenham Nature Reserve,

a conservation farm, arboretum

and runs an exciting education

programme. The Trust runs a

varied programme of events

throughout the year including

guided walks, lambing

weekends, craft workshops,

farm visits and The Clumps Club

for children. Project Timescape

is Earth Trust’s new visitor and

education centre based near the

Wittenham Clumps.

Visitors can become a scientist

for the day and perform

experiments, handle skeleton

bones and discover how their

actions today will change the

landscape in the future.

A little further afield is the

Pendon Museum in the village of

Long Wittenham with its railway

of a previous age in miniature or

the Great Western Society’s

Didcot Railway Centre with its

“steam days”, specialist museum

and tea shop.

Crowmarsh Gifford stands across

the River Thames from

Wallingford where access to the

Riverside Park is from the eastern

end of the bridge.

The church was

originally built in

1122 as the chapel

of a leper colony

that was looked

after by monks

from Wallingford

Priory.

For those who

enjoy walking,

Wallingford is one

stop along the

Thames Path which runs for 185

miles from its source to the sea;

for example, Benson Lock is a

pleasant summer’s day walk away.

Many places along the path are

served by regular buses from

Wallingford which enable you to

plan as long or short a walk as

time permits. You may wish to

travel to Moulsford and walk on

the Wessex Downs, or go on to

Goring with its stunning views

Nearby Places to Visit

28

from the Berkshire side and visit the variety of

village shops and teashops. It is said that the

river bank between Streatley and Pangbourne

provided the inspiration for Kenneth Graham’s

Wind in the Willows.

The local buses also cross the Ridgeway

National Trail which follows much of the 85

miles long Ridgeway from its start at Avebury.

On the same road is Basildon Park which is

owned by the National Trust. The 18th century

mansion was used to accommodate soldiers

during both world wars and was rescued and

restored by the late Lord and Lady Iliffe.

Dorchester stands just off

the road between Wallingford

and Oxford and close to the

confluence of the rivers Thames

and Thame. In Saxon times it

was the seat of a bishopric

that stretched north as far as

Lincolnshire. The church of the

great abbey, which dates from

the late 12th century,

still remains.

The attractive village of Ewelme,

some 3 miles from Wallingford,

has medieval origins that are still

visible in the school. The

almshouses and the 15th century

church were restored by

Geoffrey Chaucer’s grand-

daughter Alice. The ancient

watercress beds at Ewelme

have recently been restored and

teas are offered in the school

on most Sundays in the

summer season.

A few miles away, set in the

Chilterns at Stoke Row, is the

Maharajah’s Well which was

built in 1864 as a gift from the

Maharajah of Benares in India to his friend Mr

E A Reade of Ipsden. The cast iron cover and

elephant on the well head were cast by

Wilder’s in Wallingford.

Hadden Hill Golf Club is a club that welcomes

visitors to play the full-length 18-hole course

(6,563 yard) and use the floodlit driving

range, putting green and par 3 course.

The golf course is laid out over gently

undulating parkland with wonderful views on

the back nine over the downs. The greens are

of an exceptionally high standard and the

whole course is extremely well drained and

playable throughout the whole year. Hadden

Hill is located between Wallingford and

Didcot.

South Oxfordshire is supporting Sustrans, the

national cycle trail. Part of the route between

Reading and Oxford passes through

Wallingford and on to Didcot.

For those seeking the more rural activities, the

Judge’s Ride is a local circular route for the

enthusiastic horse-rider.

29

Hotels:

The George Hotel

(Hotel 3 Star)

High Street,

Wallingford,

Oxfordshire,

OX10 OBS

Telephone:

+44 (0) 1491 836665

The Springs Hotel & Golf Club (Hotel 3 Star)

Wallingford Road, North Stoke, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire, OX10 6BE

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836687

The Shillingford Bridge Hotel

Shillingford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8LZ

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858567

The White Hart Nettlebed (Hotel 3 Star)

Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, RG9 5DD

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 641245

The White Hart Hotel (Hotel 3 Star)

26 High Street, Dorchester on Thames,

Oxfordshire, OX10 7HN

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 340074

The George Hotel (Hotel 3 Star)

High Street, Dorchester on Thames,

Oxfordshire, OX10 7HH

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 340404

Bed & Breakfasts:

Little Gables B & B (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star)

166 Crowmarsh Hill, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire, OX10 8BG

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 837834

Mays Farm (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond)

Ewelme, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6QF

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 641294

Wittas Ham Cottage (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond)

High Street, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QH

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 407686

Huntington House (Bed and Breakfast 3 Star)

18 Wood Street, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 0AX

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 839201

Fyfield Manor - (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star)

Benson, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6HA

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 835184

Marsh House (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star)

Court Drive, Shillingford, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire, OX10 7ER

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858496

Fords Farm - Silver Award (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star)

Ewelme, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6HU

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 839272

Alouette (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star)

2 Caldicott Close, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7HF

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858600

The Grange (Bed and Breakfast 3 Star)

The Grange, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX13 40H

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 407808

Hill Farm (Bed and Breakfast 3 Star)

Newington, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7AL

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 891173

Stag Hall (Bed and Breakfast 3 diamond)

Stoke Row Road, Kingwood, Oxfordshire, RG9 5NX

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 680338

North Moreton House (Bed and Breakfast 5 diamond)

North Moreton, Oxfordshire, OX11 9AT

Telephone: +44 (0) 1235 813283

Stapletons Chantry (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond)

Long Wittenham Road, North Moreton,

Oxfordshire, OX11 9AX

Telephone: +44 (0) 1235 818900

Brookside (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond)

Brook Street, Benson, Wallingford,

Oxfordshire OX10 6LJ

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 838289

Oxford Holiday Cottage (Self Catering 4 Star)

Haddow Close, Sires Hill, Little Wittenham,

Oxfordshire, OX11 9BG

Telephone: +44 (0) 1235 512519

Perch and Pike (Inn 4 Star)

The Street, South Stoke, Oxfordshire, RG8 0JS

Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 872415

The Kingsfisher Inn (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond)

27 Henley Road, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7EL

Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858595

Accommodation in and around Wallingford

30 Wallingford Town Council cannot accept responsibility for the quality of the above accommodation.

CAMPSITE

RIVERSIDEPARK

CAMPSITE

ST. PETERS

ST. LEONARDS

ST. MARYS

National Traveline: 0870 608 2608

How to get here by public transport:

T: 01491 837 988E: [email protected]: www.thames-travel.co.uk

Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society, 24 hour information: 01491 835067 - www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com

Corn Exchange Cinema & Theatre: 01491 825000 - www.cornexchange.org.uk

Didcot Railway Centre: 01235 817200 - www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Dorchester Abbey: www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk

Ewelme Cress Beds: 01491 872795/835173 - www.chilternsociety.org.uk

Hadden Hill Golf Club: 01235 510410 - www.haddenhillgolf.co.uk

Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary: 01491 833938 - www.donkeyrescue.org.uk

Earth Trust: 01865 407792 - www.northmoortrust.co.uk

Nuffield Place: 01491 641224 - www.nuffield-place.com

Pendon Museum: 01865 407365 - www.pendonmuseum.com

Ridgeway National Trail & The Thames Path: 01865 810224 - www.nationaltrail.co.uk

Wallingford Museum: 01491 835065 - www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

Wallingford Rowing Club: www.wallingford.rowing.org.uk

Wallingford Sports Park: 01491 835044 - www.southoxon.gov.uk

Website information & Map

31

Your wedding day is one of the most important

days in your life and Wallingford Town Hall

provides the ideal setting to make it a day

to remember.

Situated in the centre of the town, and within

easy reach of the main car parks, it is a timber-

frame building that was constructed in 1670. The

two public rooms are on the first floor and the

main room has good views over the Market

Place. Access is via an external stone staircase;

however, a stairlift is available on an internal

staircase for people with mobility difficulties.

The main room gives an all-pervading sense of

the history of the town. On the walls are boards

listing all mayors since 1231 and portraits of

major town benefactors look down upon the

ceremony. This room can comfortably

accommodate up to 60 guests.

For more intimate ceremonies the smaller

Committee Room has the perfect ambience for

up to 20 guests. This room has more portraits,

and also has a display cabinet containing the

Town Plate including the mace that is dated

1650 and is said to have been copied for the

mace of the House of Commons.

The décor of both rooms has been carefully

designed to be in keeping with the period of the

building and to provide a suitable backdrop for

the all-important photographs.

Receptions, Special Occasions,

Conferences & Exhibitions

Are you looking for that distinctive location for

a reception or dinner party, conference,

exhibition or other special occasion?

The Town Hall could be the ideal venue...

For further information, fees and booking options please contact:

Wallingford Town Council, 9 St. Martin’s St., Wallingford, Oxfordshire OX10 0AL

Tel: 01491 835373 Web: www.wallingford.co.uk

With thanks to Dee Cripps, Kevin Harvey, Mark Phillips and Christian Sinkinson for the use of various photographs in this brochure.

The Centre of AttractionWeddings at Wallingford Town Hall

the wallingford experience€¦ · wessex, defeated the enemy but to defend his kingdom against...

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