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The Wallingford Experience

Includes history of Wallingford, places to visit and shopping guide... Contents

The Town Information Centre 2 Riverside Moorings 17 Places of Interest in Wallingford 4 A Unique Shopping Experience 18 Wallingford - an Ancient Borough 6 & Wallingford Railway 27 Judge Blackstone 11 The Corn Exchange 27 Agatha Christie 12 Nearby Places to Visit 28 Remembering Wilding & Andrew 13 Accommodation 30 14 Website Information & Map 31 Wallingford Rowing Club 15 Weddings in the Town Hall 32 The 16

Town Information Centre

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.

Town Information Centre - Undercroft - Town Hall - Market Place T: 01491 826 972 E: [email protected]

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 WELCOME TO WALLINGFORD

In July of 2013 I was lucky enough With regards to accommodation we to be appointed Town Clerk for also boast a great local Hotel, right Wallingford Town Council. I say in the heart of the town, The lucky because I genuinely believe George as well a host of local bed our residential and business and breakfast accommodation. community are lucky to live and work in such a wonderful town. Then there are the parks, the Having considered locations all over Kinecroft where so many exciting my wife and I moved events take place each year from London to the area in October including probably the biggest free 2006 and I’m sure we, like so many festival in the UK “BunkFest”, as people here, not only have been well as the annual Firework display, delighted we made the right Car Rally, Armed Force decision but struggle to believe we celebrations, the Carnival and the will ever leave this place! Fun Fairs. Don’t tell anyone but then there’s the Castle Gardens, Aside from being easily accessible from, which I would describe as a ‘secret garden’ for instance, , Reading & London etc, (featured on the front cover!) It really was a this historically important town of Wallingford great feeling discovering this place for the first is not just wonderful to look at, but is blessed time. with such a friendly and helpful community. In and round the Castle Gardens and Bull Croft A good proportion of my family free time is visitors will see firsthand glimpses of the town’s spent wandering around this beautiful town, amazing history; something which so many visiting the great variety of shops we have here people work so diligently to keep alive none and taking in a coffee in one of our number of more so than our wonderful Museum local Cafes. The experience is made so much organisers and volunteers. nicer because relationships have been formed with the majority of the proprietors and shop Aside from the Kinecroft and Castle Gardens keepers, easy to do because they’re so there’s also the Bull Croft, which is home to friendly! play equipment for both younger and older children, as well as floodlit football and tennis For a town of our size we are blessed with a courts and full size football pitches. wide variety of shops and indoor and outdoor markets, a nice blend of recognised high street Talking of events and sporting connections, the names and independent shops. Among so many area boasts a number of festivals including the others our wonderful department store, wonderful “Rugfest” which takes place at ironmongers, cinema & theatre are long Wallingford Sports Park. And there’s the Blues established and are all independently run. Did & Beer Festival in the Regal Centre! you know that our cinema is a very well known So whether you are spending time in location for Midsomer Murders? Wallingford to browse or here for a specific And of course we are also blessed to be on the event there is so much to see and do, and you River Thames as well! Just a 2-3minute walk can guarantee that we will all be very pleased from the town centre the river offers wonderful to see you! To find out more either visit us at walks in both directions, an outdoor swimming www.wallingford.co.uk or pop into the Town pool and splash park and fabulous camp sites. Information Centre under the Town Hall. Jamie Baskeyfield Town Clerk 2014

Throughout the year local organisations put on a variety of events, to find out more visit out Town Information Centre, or log onto www.wallingford.co.uk 3 Places of Interest in Wallingford

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 enables you to walk through time from the local centres of interest and places to stay. The Romans and to the Civil War. Charter Market is still held in the Market Place The Regal Centre, a converted cinema near the every Friday, and a Farmers’ Market takes Market Place, is now home to many events place on the third Tuesday of each month. including an annual Blues and Beer Festival and On the east side of the Market Place is the the weekly Country Market (W.I.). Regular former Corn Exchange (built in 1856) the roof sporting activities also held here include table of which is supported inside by iron beams tennis, keep fit, short mat bowls and cast by Wilder’s, a local foundry. The Sinodun badminton. Players now own the building and provide a Many of Wallingford’s narrow lanes, and some varied programme of amateur productions, of the wider streets, follow the alignment of professional touring companies and up-to-date the original Saxon roads. Leaflets showing films. Agatha Christie, a former president of routes for Walking Tours of the Town are the Sinodun Players, lived on the outskirts of available from the Town Information Centre Wallingford for 40 years and is buried nearby and Wallingford Museum. The routes are in Cholsey churchyard. carefully chosen to ensure that visitors get the Local history is the theme of Wallingford most interest from their time here. Museum which is housed in the medieval, oak- In 2001 Meadows were beamed Flint House in the High Street opposite bought by the District the Kinecroft. The Wallingford Story is an Council. The site is managed for informal exciting ’Sight & Sound’ experience which 4 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 recreation and, although only a few fragments in your line, then Wallingford offers an open- of the walls remain, the earthworks and air heated swimming pool by the bridge and a meadows have undergone a transformation top class Rowing Club. into a delightful area to walk around and enjoy To make your visit even more enjoyable, the ecological and historical nature of the site. Wallingford provides a wide variety of places The Castle Gardens are owned by the Town to eat and drink and to suit all tastes. We offer Council and provide a colourful haven of peace traditional English meals and food from India, and quiet near to the town centre. They have Thailand, China, Italy and all forms of snacks won numerous awards for their design and from food to pizzas. For visitors who wish maintenance. The gardens are accessed from to stay a little longer the town has a 15th Castle Street at the back of the George Hotel. century hotel in the town centre (where legend Wallingford was important historically because has it that Dick Turpin once stayed) and of its excellent ford, and today the same another hotel on the banks of the River Thames crossing place has one of the finest bridges on at nearby . Bed-and-breakfast the River Thames. At 300m long it is only 5m accommodation, and caravan and camping shorter than the old London Bridge. The river sites are also available. has always brought particular delight whether This is just a sample of all the things that looking towards the Chilterns or towards the Wallingford has to offer its visitors. For more town from the side. One of the information contact the Town Information more impressive landmarks is the spire of St Centre. Tel: 01491 826972 (see inside front Peter’s Church with its delicate open design. cover for more details) 5 Wallingford - an Ancient Borough

Wallingford is a town steeped in history. From the medieval bridge over the Thames to the grassy banks of its ancient The Town is Born fortifications, it proclaims a colourful Wallingford was the biggest of Alfred’s past. It’s a town of surprises with the newly fortified towns - as large as his bustle of the Market Place and the capital, Winchester. It was enclosed on tranquillity of the quiet back-streets - three sides by earthen walls, capped with a place to explore. a wooden palisade and surrounded by a wet moat - the remains of which can still be seen today, mostly clearly in the Earliest Times Kinecroft, Bullcroft and It was the river that first attracted settlers castle grounds. The river to the area and in the Bronze and Iron and a bridgehead formed Ages the rich soils encouraged farming the fourth side of the communities. The Romans in turn left town’s defence and the traces of occupation - burials, roads, original 9th century street coins and pottery, but it was left to the layout is still largely Anglo-Saxons to build the first town. unchanged. St Leonard’s church has surviving A large 6th century pagan cemetery Anglo-Saxon features, and as you shop in found in Wallingford indicates the early Waitrose, spare a thought for the long presence of the Saxon newcomers but by lost Saxon church of St Martin and its the 9th century there was another former worshippers who lie quietly invasion threat - this time from the beneath in a large cemetery! Coins were Vikings. King Alfred, the Saxon king of struck in Wallingford at a Royal Mint and Wessex, defeated the enemy but to Saxon kings held land in the town and defend his kingdom against further Viking kept soldiers here. By 1066, when the attacks he built many fortified towns or next invader arrived, Wallingford was the burhs and here the story of the town leading town in . really begins. 6 1066 and All That! In 1155, Henry II held his first Great Council at Wallingford. He openly In 1066, fresh from winning the Battle of rewarded the town for Hastings, came to supporting his mother Wallingford seeking a suitable place to Matilda, by granting it a cross the Thames with his army. Wigod, magnificent Charter of the lord of Wallingford, welcomed Liberties - one of the oldest in William, and for their co-operation the . Together with many people of Wallingford were given an extra special privileges, this hour before curfew - 9pm instead of 8pm. Charter confirmed The curfew bell still tolls just before nine, Wallingford’s ancient rights declaring the king’s ancient favour. One of to have its own Guild and William’s knights married Wigod’s Burgesses and to hold regular daughter and, on William’s instructions, markets, traditions which the Normans began in 1067 to build a continue to this day. The massive castle here which was to town’s regalia, including the dominate the 17th century silver-gilt mace, town’s history are still used and are for the next displayed in the Town Hall. 600 years.

Granting of The Medieval Town the Charter By the 13th century, Wallingford had 11 - 1155 parishes, each with its own church - one of which was also the Priory, a cell of St The first phase Alban’s Abbey. Besides these there was of Wallingford the Free Hospital of St John, a College of Castle was Canons of St Nicholas in the castle and complete by 1071 but it was later two gate chapels. expanded to have three walls and ditches and to be one of the most impressive and By the end of the next century, the powerful castles in England. During the ravages of the Black Death had taken 12th century Civil War between Queen their toll. At least a third of the Matilda and her cousin townspeople died and only four Stephen, Wallingford churches were left in use. This, together was the chief with the growth of rival towns and the stronghold of the building of a new bridge at Abingdon as Queen in central an alternative route for traders, had led to England and here the a severe economic decline in the life of treaty that concluded the town. the war was first agreed in 1153. 7 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 Change & Decay Mortimer, who was involved in Edward’s subsequent murder. Isabella spent her By the 16th century the castle was later life living in the castle. Her decaying. There was less need for strong grandson, Edward the Black Prince, kept castles in the more settled times of the Wallingford as his principal residence. Tudors and Henry VIII shipped timber and lead from Wallingford down river by Constables appointed to look after the barge to enlarge his castle at Windsor. castle included (son of the poet Geoffrey) and William, Duke of Suffolk, and his wife Alice, (Geoffrey’s Wallingford & the Civil War grand-daughter) who were benefactors of 1642-1651 the 15th century school and almshouses which are still in use in nearby . When a dispute arose between Charles I and Parliament, Wallingford Castle once Also in the 15th century, Owen Tudor had more had a major role to play in a Civil the task of protecting the young King War. The King, driven out of London, set Henry VI who was tutored at Wallingford up his court in Oxford. Round this Castle. Owen formed a liaison with Royalist centre a ring of strongholds was Henry’s young widowed mother, established to protect the King and Katherine of Valois, and from this affair Wallingford Castle was one of them - re- came the great line of the Tudor Kings of fortified to meet the challenge of modern England. 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 return to their homes. were engaged in many local The castle was then skirmishes and battles. garrisoned by Parliament and Wallingford used as a prison but in 1652 Under Siege Oliver Cromwell’s Council of State decided it was too great By 1646, events had turned a risk to allow it to remain. against the King. He was They ordered - and paid for - forced to leave Oxford, which its total demolition. The castle surrendered to Parliament in stone was sold and some of it June. Now only Wallingford was used to build a new tower remained, its garrison for St Mary’s church. 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 9 Wallingford - He is internationally famed for his law The Later Years books, written in Wallingford, which formed the basis of the Constitution of After the demolition of the castle, the United States. For 21 years, from 1749 Wallingford settled down to its role as an to 1770, when he was appointed Justice in ordinary market town. Its brewing and the Court of Common Pleas, he was malting industries, together with later Recorder of Wallingford, iron-founding, complemented the rural presiding over the communities in the surrounding area and Quarter Sessions in survived until fairly the Town Hall where recently. there is now a Blue Of the town’s Plaque in his memory. numerous parish The present Roman churches there are just Catholic Church in the three left today - but Market Place began life as a they and the many non- Congregational chapel in 1799! The conformist chapels are Baptist Church was founded in 1794 and worth a visit. the Methodist chapel was built in 1870. A St Leonard’s is the fine Quaker Meeting House, opened in St. Leonard’s earliest, with late Saxon 1724, is tucked away in Castle Street. work in the walls and The railway came in 1866 in the form of a Norman work inside. St branch line from Cholsey and the ’Bunk', Mary’s was rebuilt in as it was known, continued until the axe the 19th century but it fell in 1959. Now the Cholsey & retains the 17th century Wallingford Railway Preservation Society tower built from the runs the line. castle stone and the monuments inside Wallingford continues its long tradition as reflect the many a Market Town but today the medieval St. Mary’s benefactors of the stalls have been replaced by a weekly town. St Peter’s is now Friday Market, a monthly Farmers’ a redundant church but Market, and an exciting mixture of it is notable for its 18th independent businesses, long-established century architecture family shops and a supermarket. It also and spire and as the seems appropriate that there is a wealth burial place of the of antique shops in the town to delight famed Sir William collectors and browsers with remnants of Blackstone who was a the past, whilst the town’s delightful churchwarden, living museum in the High Street brings the most of his later life in whole Wallingford Story vividly to life. St. Peter’s nearby Castle Priory. © Judy Dewey 2014 10 Judge Blackstone & Wallingford

William Blackstone was born in London in following day he was 1723, the posthumous son of a silk mercer. He made King’s Counsel was orphaned at 12, but through the (KC). Two years later generosity of two of his mother’s family, he was appointed (Charles and Thomas Bigg, distant kinsmen of Solicitor General to Walter Bigg who founded Wallingford School), Charlotte, wife of the he was educated at Charterhouse, where he future King George III. became Head of School. At the age of 15, he Judge Blackstone is went on to Pembroke College, Oxford to gain internationally famed a degree in Civil Law. for his books, written In 1741 he entered the Inner Temple in London whilst he was a and two years later was elected a Fellow of All resident of Wallingford. Souls College, Oxford where he quickly rose Between 1765 and 1776, he to become Senior Bursar and acquired a published four volumes of reputation as a man who got things done. lectures called Commentaries on Meanwhile, he had also been called to the Bar the Laws of England. It was the first major in London but his inability to speak fluently in attempt to create a reference book on English public made him an unsuccessful barrister, so civil law and it rapidly became a fundamental he left London to become an Oxford legal textbook, earning him a fortune. academic. In 1758, after some successful Following the American Declaration of involvement in University politics, he became Independence in 1776, the Commentaries the first Vinerian Professor of Common Law. formed the basis of the new United States He was just 35. Constitution and legal system and Blackstone’s is a familiar name to most Importantly for Wallingford, he had also taken Americans. over a job from his lawyer uncle, Seymour Richmond, - that of Recorder of Wallingford - He gave up his post as Recorder of an office he held for 21 years, from 1749 to Wallingford in 1770 when he was appointed 1770. The Recorder was basically Magistrate Justice in the Court of Common Pleas and was for the Borough which meant that he presided knighted by King George III, but he spent most over the Quarter Sessions held in the Town of his later life at Castle Priory and was Hall. When he was in Wallingford, Blackstone Churchwarden of St Peter’s. Between 1769 lived in a house in Thames Street leased for and 1775 he encouraged the re-building of him by Thomas Bigg. Around 1758, Blackstone St Peter’s Church and he donated purchased the property which became his money towards the Spire and gave the principal home until his death. He Communion Silver. substantially rebuilt the house as an He suffered ill-health towards the end 18th century mansion with of his life and died at the age of 57 considerably enlarged grounds. It is on 14 February 1780 - he is buried in now known as Castle Priory. St Peter’s Church where there In 1761 he married Sarah Clitherow is a memorial to him. by whom he had nine children. The © Judy Dewey 2014 11 Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie, ‘The Queen of Crime’, is one enjoyed her eighty novels. Wallingford is of Wallingford’s best kept secrets. She and her holding a special Agatha Christie Weekend in husband, the eminent archaeologist Sir Max September with events, walks and Mallowan, lived at House on the entertainment to mark her association with outskirts of Wallingford from 1934 until her the town. death in 1976. She and Sir Max owned other The murder theme in Wallingford is also houses in Devon and London, but Wallingford known worldwide through the Midsomer was ‘home’ according to her grandson Murders television series where the town has Mathew Pritchard. Here she found the peace featured as ‘Causton’, home of Inspector to write many of her later novels. Wallingford Barnaby, in several episodes. The first was is mentioned in Cards on the Table (1936) and Death of a Hollow Man, set in the ‘Causton descriptions of ‘Market Basing’ in Dumb Theatre’ (Wallingford Corn Exchange). Witness (1937) are thought to refer to Several of the Sinodun Players appear Wallingford. regularly as supporting artistes. She took care to avoid any local publicity but © Judy Dewey 2014 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 12 Remembering Wilding & Andrew

On the 9th September 1944, the 426 John Andrew’s body was found about twenty- (Thunderbird) Squadron, 4 Group, Bomber five yards away from John Wilding with his Command, of the Royal Canadian Air Force parachute harness attached, his parachute left Linton-on-Ouse, York. They were to make pack lying unopened a sortie to Le Havre but the weather made it beside his body. impossible to bomb with accuracy and the Flying Officer attack was called off. J.A.Wilding, although One Halifax VII bomber, NP68I was hit by flak. from New York City, To land safely back in Linton several bombs emigrated with his were ditched in the English Channel, leaving family from Bolton in ten 500lb bombs on board. The plane was Lancashire. He was engulfed in smoke and flames. The pilot, John on his 20th sortie. He Wilding, gave the order to abandon the is buried in the aircraft. MacKay, the rear gunner, advised that Brookwood Military the turret was unserviceable. Wilding told him Cemetery in Woking, not to panic, to do the best he could to get out Surrey. For his actions saying “I’ll try to hold it”. with the Squadron he MacKay using his feet pushed until the door was awarded the gave way. An explosion followed and he rolled DFC and an MiD out through a sheet of flames and landed with posthumously. an injured left leg. Sergeant J.F.Andrew, The wireless operator, Thorb (Tommy) is buried in Kerry Thompson bailed out, as did the navigator, Cemetery, Powys. He Ed O’Meara. The bomb aimer, Len Irving, was was credited with the last to leave by the front hatch. 15 sorties. During its last few moments the aircraft On the 21st May 1960 a was guided between Wallingford and cairn and plaque in memory Benson. It was seen to turn over on its of the two airmen who were back and spin in. killed was unveiled. It stands at the junction of The plane came down at Newnham Wilding and Andrew roads Murren, Crowmarsh, about 500 yards which are named after from the eastern boundary of Wallingford. them. Three tons of bombs still aboard, the aircraft exploded, the blast shaking the A service of Thanksgiving town’s buildings and shattering windows. and Remembrance has been a statutory part of the Town events and every John Wilding’s body was found a few hundred 9th September the Canadian flag flies over the yards away from the crater where the town hall. aircraft hit.

Pilot: Flying Officer J.A.Wilding, DFC RCAF Flying Officer E.N.O’Meara RCAF. (killed) aged 23 from New York. Flight Sgt R.M.Irving RCAF. Flight Sgt R.T.Thompson RCAF. Crew: Sgt J.F.Andrew, RAF Voluntary Reserve, Flight Sgt G.W.McCreary RCAF. (killed) aged 22 from Wales. Flight Sgt P.W.MacKay RCAF (injured). 13 Welcome to Wallingford Museum

Wallingford Museum is a but she was President of the local amateur dramatic colourful and delightfully group, the Sinodun Players. A fascinating display details intimate local history personal letters, her home, local memories, her death museum, housed on two and her burial in nearby Cholsey in 1976. floors in the medieval oak- beamed Flint House opposite Crime also figures in a feature on Midsomer Murders - the Saxon banks in the Wallingford was 'Causton' in the hit TV series and many Kinecroft and next to the locals took part in several episodes. Public Library. There is ample Local archaeology enhances other lively displays: car-parking behind the nearby Waitrose. Wallingford Before the Town - with prehistoric artefacts Run entirely by volunteers, the Museum opened in 1981 and a Roman skeleton; Wallingford Priory - a and in 2005 it doubled in size to include the ground Benedictine cell of St Alban's Abbey, famous for floor. If you can, allow at least 1 1/2 hours for your visit medieval clockmaker, Richard of Wallingford; St Martin's Church which lay beneath the present The permanent displays tell The Wallingford Story – Waitrose - and don't miss our family friendly 'Touchy from Roman times to the modern day - an unfolding Feely' drawers and fun sandpits to 'dig' in for real maze brought to life by our free audio-tour. At the archaeological finds. centre of the display, the visitor climbs up 'stone' steps to the top of the castle to see the medieval town laid out For 2014 our new exhibition 'Siege and Strife - before them and a scale model of Wallingford Castle Wallingford and War' looks at the effects of war on the which reveals its enormous size and three-moated town from Saxon times and , through defences. two Civil Wars and two World Wars to the modern role of RAF Benson and The Rifles in Afghanistan. Elsewhere, in the Victorian Courtyard there is a walk-in shop, a pub, a workshop and a peep-show which re- Special events include a Family Archaeology day (19 creates the experience of a family entering the July), a Saxon/Viking day (16 Aug) and an Agatha Workhouse. The Transport Gallery tells the story of Christie Weekend (20-21 Sept). river, road and railway in Wallingford, with historic Wallingford Museum is open from March to November, photographs and models of , Thames 2.00-5.00pm weekdays (except Mon), 10.30am- weirs and Wallingford Station. There are special 5.00pm Saturdays, 2.00-5.00pm Sundays (June-Aug) & features on local celebrities like Judge Blackstone, Bank Hols. Children are free and Adults £4.00 for author of the famous Commentaries on the Laws of unlimited admission all season. England which were influential in the drawing up of the Constitution and laws of the fledgling United States of Access: sorry, downstairs galleries only accessible for America. Other local celebrities are the Victorian wheelchair users but audio-video of ‘The Wallingford Artists, the professional painters of the Leslie & Hayllar Story’ is available to watch on request. families and their friend Claude Rowbotham who were neighbours in Wallingford. For details of group and school visits (inc. out of hours) and guided town and castle walks, see: Most famous of all was 'Queen of Crime', Dame Agatha Christie who lived in the town for forty-two years with www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk her second husband, the archaeologist Sir Max © Judy Dewey 2014 Mallowan. Agatha Christie was a very private person 14 Wallingford Rowing Club

Great Britain’s Wallingford has always been well known youngest male and famous for the river, indeed taking its Olympian; Ken name from the crossing it provided to Lester, a cox in people and animals. A whole host of the 1960 Rome people are still actively using the river, Olympics was especially the town’s oarsmen and born in the women. The Rowing Club is situated in an same year as old part of the town by the river on the the Rowing Club longest stretch of water on the “Upper was founded. He is still living in Thames”. This six and a half mile stretch Wallingford and continues to enjoy using between the locks of Benson and Cleeve the Club’s facilities. 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.

New members and visitors, both active and social are always welcome. For further information visit www.wallingfordrc.co.uk 15 The River Thames

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.

Welcome to the River Thames which flows through South Oxfordshire for approximately 48 miles, the longest stretch of the river in any one county. Our Riverside Park has recently undergone refurbishment with easy access and plentiful One of the many ways to explore the Thames parking. It’s the perfect venue for you to enjoy is by boat and organised boat trips run in the a picnic, the outdoor heated swimming pool summer months from the Riverside Park. and the paddling pool. Nearby Benson has rowing boats, canoes and motorboats for hire by the hour. Alternatively, for the more energetic, you could walk the . Our stretch of the Thames at Wallingford is one of the most beautiful in the country.

If its camping or caravanning you’re after, here are two superb sites within easy walking distance of the river and town. Riverside Park The Street, , Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 8EB Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 835232

Bridge Villa Caravan & Camping The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 8HB 16 Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836860 Riverside Moorings

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, 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 For visitors to the town arriving by way of the facilities and a stand pipe for the collection of river, there are excellent moorings located just water. The shower block is situated within the north of, and very close to, the ancient campsite and the swimming pool area. Wallingford Bridge. To tie up here brings one Welcome to Wallingford moorings and the close to the centre of historic Wallingford gateway to a wonderful experience. 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.

17 Welcome to Wallingford - a Unique Shopping Experience...

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 Wallingford today offers a wonderful mix of trendy Photographers all of which can be old and new. We have it all; unspoilt riverside found here. with a towpath beside the meadows, heated Seek out St Peter’s Place where they have a open air swimming pool, landscaped acres of specialist Lighting and Accessories shop, the Kinecroft & Bullcroft Park, prize winning Unisex Hairdressers, Curtain Design Centre, a Castle Gardens, an ancient town centre with Sales & Hire Centre, c17th Town Hall and narrow Saxon streets which house many excellent and varied shops. Castle Street is home to an Office Supplies shop and a Thai Restaurant situated in the We start our visit in the High Street with its historical cellars of the Lamb Arcade. Antique shops and Goldsmiths. The Lamb Arcade, once an old coaching inn, is now a If our specialist shops are not enough to tempt unique shopping experience, at the crossroads you, then we can help you with everything Waitrose have a quality superstore. Walk a from Accountants to planning your wedding in little further and you will find a Health & the Town Hall. If it’s Markets you’re interested Fitness Centre and a shop specialising in in we have plenty including the weekly Friday Violins, Violas and Cellos. Charter Market, Country Market and on the 3rd Tuesday of every month we have an Apart from the Town Hall and Corn Exchange extensive Farmers Market on the market in the Market Place you can find a Chemists, place and Local Producers Market in the Stationers and Ladies Fashion Shops. Regal Centre.

St Mary’s Street is full of surprises with Art & We have it all - Culture, History, the River Craft materials, Antiquarian and Second-hand Thames and Shops with friendly staff. There bookshops, Sportswear, Bridal Centre, Shoe are also plenty of inviting Pubs, Restaurants Repairers, Pet Shop, Christian Book Shop, and Cafes for you to relax in and enjoy. Beauty Salon plus Hats and Accessories for every occasion. Leading on to St Leonard’s We look forward to sharing all of this with you! 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, Cycle Centre, Interior Design 18 HIGH STREET HIGH STREET Left hand side from bridge Right hand side from bridge

Wallingford Tandoori 4 High Street 01491 833133

Summers Davies Antiques Calleva House 6 High Street 01491 836284

Mike Ottery Antiques 16 High Street 01491 836429

Hot Nails 20 High Street 07748 423760

Castle Osteopathic & Natural Health Clinic 23 High Street 01491 838363

Spirit Hair Salon 23-24 High Street The Gallery 01491 834155 30 High Street 01491 828202 Forresters Hair Salon 25 High Street The Boat House - Bar & Grill 01491 837523 103 High Street 01491 834100 O’Donnell Antiques 26 High Street The Town Arms - Public House 01491 839332 High Street 01491 837773 Brooker & Breeze - Goldsmiths 27 High Street Avanti Italian Restaurant 01491 835050 85 High Street 01491 835500 Catherine’s Cafe 28 High Street 01491 838122 The George Hotel High Street The Hair Studio 01491 836665 29 High Street 07425 581506

19 HIGH STREET Right hand side from bridge

Wallingford Squash Club & Sports Shop Thomas Merrifield - Estate Agents 86 High Street 72 High Street 01491 835072 01491 833833

NatWest Bank Delhi Brasserie - Indian Restaurant High Street 66 High Street 0845 3020748 01491 824597 or 01491 826666

The Lamb Arcade - Lifestyle Centre, Smarts Fish & Chips - Takeaway featuring; Antiques, Vintage, Retro Relics, 64 - 65 High Street and Modern Classics 01491 824411 83 High Street 01491 835166 Wallingford Museum Flint House Oxfam - Charity Shop High Street 81 High Street 01491 835065 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 Wallingford Library High Street Thames Valet - Dry Cleaners & Launderers 01491 837395 73 High Street 01491 834077 The Cross Keys - Public House 48 High Street 01491 826377

20 MARKET PLACE

Triangle Travel Oxford House 01491 825155

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 Power International - Charity Shop 1 Market Place KP Stationers 01491 835900 18 Market Place 01491 837979 Barclays Bank 2 Market Place Post Office 0845 7555555 Rear of Feathers Yard 01491 837979 Costa Coffee 3 Market Place Lloyds Pharmacy 01491 837990 20 - 21 Market Place 01491 836206 Lloyds Bank 4 Market Place Coral Bookmakers 0845 3000 000 23 Market Place 0800 242232 Corn Exchange - Theatre & Cinema Market Place Helen & Douglas House - Charity Shop 01491 825000 24 Market Place 01491 833589 Greggs Bakers 6 Market Place Wallingford Town Information Centre 01491 836267 Undercroft, Town Hall, Market Place 01491 826972 Boots The Chemist 7 - 8 Market Place 01491 839061

First Edition - Ladies Fashion & Shoes 9 Market Place 01491 837195 21 ST MARY’S STREET Left hand side from High Street

Artmatters - Art & Craft Materials HomeBase Management - Letting Agents 1 St Mary’s Street 16(B) St Mary’s Street 01491 826686 01491 824470

The Dolphin - Public House Just Trading of Wallingford Ltd 2 St Mary’s Street 17 St Mary’s Street 01491 837377 01491 824778

Clarks - Shoe Retailers The Bridelicious Boutique 5 St Mary’s Street 19 St Mary’s Street 01491 836112 01491 826699 Elaine Mathews - Dressmaker Allen & Harris - Estate Agents 19 St Mary’s Street 6 St Mary’s Street 07880 973252 01491 835135 Feet First - Shoe Repairs & Travel Goods Champion & Co Ltd - Ironmongers 21 St Mary’s Street 7 St Mary’s Street 01491 825224 01491 836271 Thames Hair Salon - Barbers House of Cards - Greetings Cards etc 21 St Mary’s Street 9 St Mary’s Street 01491 837124 01491 826750 Buskers Gift Centre Toby English - Antiquarian and Second 21 St Mary’s Street Hand Bookshop 01491 839771 10 St Mary’s Street Dexter’s Canine Emporium 01491 836389 21 St Mary’s Street Pizza Express 01491 833882 12 St Mary’s Street The Fountain Christian Bookshop 01491 833431 21b St Mary’s Street 01491 839511 Shoes in Twos 14 St Mary’s Street Julies - Ladies Hairdressers 01491 826620 24 St Mary’s Street 01491 836030 Nationwide Building Society 15 St Mary’s Street Beauty Corner 0845 2660744 24 St Mary’s Street 01491 836626 Sportswise 16 St Mary’s Street Beijing Diner - Chinese Restaurant 01491 834585 26 St Mary’s Street 01491 826908

The Partridge - Country Pub & Eating 32 St Mary’s Street 22 01491 825005 ST MARY’S STREET Right hand side from High Street

Rags in Bags - Ladies Wear 53a St Mary’s Street 01491 838819

Classic Beauty - Beauty Salon 53 St Mary’s Street 01491 832432

Indigo Rye - Hairdressers 51 St Mary’s Street 01491 834141

Pettits of Wallingford - Department Store 46 - 50 St Mary’s Street 01491 835253

The Gallery Coffee Shop First Floor Patricia Hayselden & Partners - Opticians Pettits of Wallingford 60 St Mary’s Street 46 - 50 St Mary’s Street 01491 835466 01491 835253

Full Circle - Travel Agents Cutler Architects 59 St Mary’s Street 43 St Mary’s Street 01491 833227 01491 838130

A Step Ahead - Hair Studio JP Knight - Property Agents 56 St Mary’s Street 42 St Mary’s Street 01491 832323 01491 834349

Mr Simms - Olde Sweet Shop The Coachmakers Arms Tavern 56a St Mary’s Street 37 St Mary’s Street 07810 765483 01491 832231

Louise Claire Millinery 36 St Mary’s Street 01491 826244

Oxfam - Charity Shop 53b St Mary’s Street 01491 835831 23 ST MARTINS STREET Right hand side from High Street

The Old Post Office - Wallingford Bookshop Restaurant 10c St Martin’s Street St Martin’s Street 01491 834383 01491 839348 Rides on Air - Cycle Shop 11 St Martin’s Street 01491 836289

Waitrose The Cooperative Funeralcare 1 St Martin’s Street 18 St Martin’s Street 01491 832030 020 8669 2651

Sue Ryder - Charity Shop Master Floors 4 St Martin’s Street 20 St Martin’s Street 01491 825714 01491 833701

Chancellors - Estate Agents Lesters - Estate Agents 5 St Martin’s Street U.S.A Takeaway 23 St Martin’s Street 01491 837567 6 St Martin’s Street 01491 824000 01491 835777 Salvador’s Deli 5a St Martin’s Street 01491 825708

Wallingford Tea & Coffee Shop 6a St Martin’s Street 01491 836263

Robert Stanley Opticians 8 St Martin’s Street 01491 837033

The Flower Studio - Florist 10 St Martin’s Street 01491 825365

Care Dry Cleaners 10b St Martin’s Street 01491 837318 24 ST MARTINS STREET Left hand side from High Street

MGJ Jewellers Ltd 1a St Martin’s Street Down To Earth - Home & Gifts 01491 834336 35 St Martin’s Street 01491 833779 Occasions Unlimited - Cards & Gifts 1b St Martin’s Street

Bloomers - Sandwich Bar & Restaurant 53 St Martin’s Street Gary Smith Butchers & Fishmongers 01491 825465 34 St Martin’s Street 01491 833553 Bijoux Gallerie Ltd - Gifts and Jewellery 50 St Martin’s Street 01491 835485

Sibos - Mens Hairdressers 45 St Martin’s Street 01491 838505

ST MARY’S ARCADE ST LEONARD’S SQUARE

Poppycraft - Craftwork Materials 1 St Mary’s Arcade 01491 833344

Pizza Cafe 2 St Mary’s Arcade 01491 826222 Village Fabrics - Patchwork & Quilting Supplies Hornsby Dunmore - 4-5 St Leonard’s Square Gift Emporium 01491 204100 6 St Mary’s Arcade 01491 825742 Silvermill - Jewellery & Accessories 8 St Leonard’s Square More Than Images 01491 838192 5-7 St Mary’s Arcade 0800 5427852 CGB Chimmey Services 8 St Leonard’s Square 07903 033001

Look In - Hairdressing for Men St Leonard’s Square 07710 479003

The Green Tree - Public House St Leonard’s Square 01491 835355 25 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

ST PETERS PLACE

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 Illumin-Nation Ltd - Lighting & Accessories 4 St Peters Place 5 St Peters Place 01491 833225 01491 833505

26 Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

The Cholsey and Wallingford Visitors are always welcome to look around on Railway has been preserving non-running days. There is usually somebody Wallingford’s railway heritage since 1981. at the station on most weekends. The ex-GWR branch line runs for nearly 3 The railway is a non profit making charitable miles through the countryside and terminates trust which is staffed entirely by volunteers. at the village of Cholsey. From here If you could become a volunteering member passengers may board trains to Reading, and help out at the railway please come along Oxford and beyond. - you will receive a warm welcome. 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.

The Corn Exchange

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 27 Nearby Places to Visit

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 a previous age in miniature or of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is an the Great Western Society’s independent charity dedicated to Railway Centre with its the welfare of mistreated and “steam days”, specialist museum neglected donkeys. Visitors are and tea shop. welcomed throughout the year Crowmarsh Gifford stands across but it is recommended that you the River Thames from telephone first to make sure that Wallingford where access to the the staff are available to show Riverside Park is from the eastern you around. end of the bridge. Estate owns and The church was manages the , originally built in Nature Reserve, 1122 as the chapel a conservation farm, arboretum of a leper colony and runs an exciting education that was looked programme. The Trust runs a after by monks varied programme of events from Wallingford throughout the year including Priory. guided walks, lambing For those who weekends, craft workshops, enjoy walking, farm visits and The Clumps Club Wallingford is one for children. Project Timescape stop along the is Earth Trust’s new visitor and Thames Path which runs for 185 education centre based near the miles from its source to the sea; Wittenham Clumps. for example, is a Visitors can become a scientist pleasant summer’s day walk away. for the day and perform Many places along the path are experiments, handle skeleton served by regular buses from bones and discover how their Wallingford which enable you to actions today will change the plan as long or short a walk as landscape in the future. time permits. You may wish to A little further afield is the travel to and walk on Pendon Museum in the village of the Wessex Downs, or go on to with its railway Goring with its stunning views 28 from the Berkshire side and visit the variety of village shops and teashops. It is said that the river bank between Streatley and 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. Maharajah of Benares in India to his friend Mr On the same road is Basildon Park which is E A Reade of . The cast iron cover and owned by the National Trust. The 18th century elephant on the well head were cast by mansion was used to accommodate soldiers Wilder’s in Wallingford. during both world wars and was rescued and Hadden Hill Golf Club is a club that welcomes restored by the late Lord and Lady Iliffe. visitors to play the full-length 18-hole course Dorchester stands just off (6,563 yard) and use the floodlit driving the road between Wallingford range, putting green and par 3 course. and Oxford and close to the The golf course is laid out over gently confluence of the rivers Thames undulating parkland with wonderful views on and . In Saxon times it the back nine over the downs. The greens are was the seat of a bishopric of an exceptionally high standard and the that stretched north as far as whole course is extremely well drained and Lincolnshire. The church of the playable throughout the whole year. Hadden great abbey, which dates from Hill is located between Wallingford and the late 12th century, Didcot. still remains. South Oxfordshire is supporting Sustrans, the The attractive village of Ewelme, national cycle trail. Part of the route between some 3 miles from Wallingford, Reading and Oxford passes through has medieval origins that are still Wallingford and on to Didcot. visible in the school. The almshouses and the 15th century For those seeking the more rural activities, the church were restored by Judge’s Ride is a local circular route for the Geoffrey Chaucer’s grand- enthusiastic horse-rider. 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 , is the Maharajah’s Well which was built in 1864 as a gift from the 29 Accommodation in and around Wallingford

Hotels: Marsh House (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star) 7 Court Drive, Shillingford, Wallingford, The George Hotel Oxfordshire, OX10 7ER (Hotel 3 Star) Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858496 High Street, Wallingford, Fords Farm - Silver Award (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star) Oxfordshire, Ewelme, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6HU OX10 OBS Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 839272 Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836665 Alouette (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star) 2 Caldicott Close, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7HF The Springs Hotel & Golf Club (Hotel 3 Star) Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858600 Wallingford Road, North Stoke, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6BE The Grange (Bed and Breakfast 3 Star) Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836687 The Grange, Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire, OX14 4QH Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 407808 The Hotel Shillingford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8LZ Hill Farm (Bed and Breakfast 3 Star) Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858567 Newington, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7AL Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 891173 The White Hart (Hotel 3 Star) Nettlebed, Oxfordshire, RG9 5DD Stag Hall (Bed and Breakfast 3 diamond) Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 641245 Stoke Row Road, Kingwood, Oxfordshire, RG9 5NX Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 680338 The White Hart Hotel (Hotel 3 Star) 26 High Street, , Perch and Pike (Inn 4 Star) Oxfordshire, OX10 7HN The Street, South Stoke, Oxfordshire, RG8 0JS Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 340074 Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 872415

The George Hotel (Hotel 3 Star) The Kingsfisher Inn (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond) High Street, Dorchester on Thames, 27 Henley Road, Shillingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 7EL Oxfordshire, OX10 7HH Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 858595 Telephone: +44 (0) 1865 340404 Camping & Caravan Park Bed & Breakfasts: Bridge Villa Little Gables B & B (Bed and Breakfast 4 Star) The St, Crowmarsh Gifford, 166 Crowmarsh Hill, Wallingford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire Oxfordshire, OX10 8BG OX10 8HB Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 837834 Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 836860 Mays Farm (Bed and Breakfast 4 diamond) Bridge Villa is a picturesque, family run Camping and Ewelme, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 6QF Touring Caravan Park in Oxfordshire, beside the River Telephone: +44 (0) 1491 641294 Thames within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 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

30 Wallingford Town Council cannot accept responsibility for the quality of the above accommodation. Website information & Map

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 : 01235 817200 - www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Dorchester Abbey: www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk Ewelme Water Cress Beds: 01491 835173 - www.ewelmewatercressbeds.org 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.earthtrust.org Nuffield Place: 01491 641224 - www.nationaltrust.org.uk 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.wallingfordsportspark.co.uk

CAMP SITE

RIVERSIDE PARK

ST. PETERS

BRIDGCAMPE VILLA CAMSITEP SITE ST. MARYS

How to get here by public transport:

ST. LEONARDS

T: 01491 837 988 E: [email protected] W: www.thames-travel.co.uk National Traveline: 0870 608 2608 31 The Centre of Attraction Weddings at Wallingford Town Hall

Your wedding day is one of the most important For more intimate ceremonies the smaller days in your life and Wallingford Town Hall Committee Room has the perfect ambience for provides the ideal setting to make it a day up to 20 guests. This room has more portraits, to remember. and also has a display cabinet containing the Town Plate including the mace that is dated Situated in the centre of the town, and within 1650 and is said to have been copied for the easy reach of the main car parks, it is a timber- mace of the House of Commons. frame building that was constructed in 1670. The two public rooms are on the first floor and the The décor of both rooms has been carefully main room has good views over the Market designed to be in keeping with the period of the Place. Access is via an external stone staircase; building and to provide a suitable backdrop for however, a stairlift is available on an internal the all-important photographs. staircase for people with mobility difficulties. Receptions, Special Occasions, The main room gives an all-pervading sense of Conferences & Exhibitions the history of the town. On the walls are boards Are you looking for that distinctive location for listing all mayors since 1231 and portraits of a reception or dinner party, conference, major town benefactors look down upon the exhibition or other special occasion? ceremony. This room can comfortably accommodate up to 60 guests. 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.