Wallingford's History and Heritage

With associations to many of the key events and figures in English History, and once home to a castle the rival of any in the country, Wallingford is steeped in history. Reminders of the past are all around, from the Saxon earthworks in the Kinecroft to the bell that still toll’s just before 9pm to mark the extra hour before curfew, granted as a favour to the town’s residents by William the Conqueror.

Among other famous figures associated with the town are The Black Prince, Jethro Tull who in 1701 invented the seed drill in the neighbouring village of Crowmarsh and Judge Blackstone, whose commentaries on the Laws of England were used in drawing up the American Constitution.

More recent notable residents include the world-famous crime writer, Agatha Christie, who had a house in Winterbrook, just outside of Wallingford, and is buried in the churchyard in nearby Cholsey. You can read more about Wallingford’s fascinating history on these pages and find links to some great sources of information about the towns past and present.