Henley Archaeological and Historical Group

THE Henley Archaeological and Historical Group’s regular series of talks resumed on October 3 with Judy Dewey, curator of Wallingford Museum, giving a well-researched account of “Wallingford and the Norman Conquest”.

The Chantry House was packed and 15 members also joined us on Zoom.

Wallingford, on the border of the kingdom of Wessex, was established by King Alfred in the 9th century as one of his fortified burghs; much of the fortifications still survive.

Later, much of what is present-day England came to be ruled by Scandinavian kings, notably Cnut.

According to the Domesday Book, Cnut’s descendant, Edward the Confessor, retained a significant stronghold in Wallingford.

Early in 1066, Edward died childless but named Harold Godwinson as his successor. Harold faced claims to the throne from Harold Hardrada, whom he defeated in battle, and William of Normandy, ruler of a territory which had been carved out of the Kingdom of France by Vikings, and who was later victorious over Harold at Hastings.

After the battle, William advanced on London along the Kent coast.

Failing to take London, he proceeded up the Thames Valley to cross the river at Wallingford. There he met Stigand, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who submitted to him.

Those English leaders who had survived the Battle of Hastings surrendered to him in Berkhamsted and William was eventually crowned at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.

After the conquest, William established an important castle in Wallingford, alongside those in Windsor and London.

The town of Wallingford grew until the 13th century and entered a phase of decline in the late Middle Ages.

The group’s next meeting will take place at the Chantry House on Tuesday, November 7 at 7.30pm when Stephen Barker will talk about Oxfordshire in the Second World War.

Tony Lynch