The coolest place to moor

Friday, 22 April 2011 16:59

We are never satisfied are we? Too cold, too hot, too many boats, no one around .......

I love our cool mooring here in Wallingford on the Thames; unlike the moorings on the west bank above the bridge, it is cool and shady.

Moorings above bridge

They are in full sun for most of the day and it was here that we found a familiar narrowboat ....

Familiar, but never seen "live," inhabited and stationary before! We followed Del and Al's build of Derwent6, having met them at Crick. It was great to see them again and have a natter!

Del and Al on Derwent6

Wallingford was once a leading Saxon fortified town and some of King Alfred's C9th ramparts still remain, with a path along them. Unless I had read the historic guide leaflet, I would not have recognised them as ramparts though!

Rampart path

William the Conqueror ordered a castle to be built at Wallingford where he crossed the River Thames on his march to London. Royalty such as Empress Matilda and her son Henry ll gave the town importance and a charter. King John, Richard Earl of Cornwall, Edward the Black Prince and Henry Vl were other Royal residents. Little remains, thanks to Cromwell, who ordered the demolition in 1652. The remaining earthworks are still alongside the meadows above our mooring.

Queens Meadow towards the town centre

Wallingford Town has some historic buildings. The Market Place, with the 1670 Town Hall, 1885 drinking fountain  and surrounding buildings is very attractive and there is an excellent market on Fridays.

Town Hall

The Corn Exchange, also in Market Place has featured in Midsomer Murders and is home to The Sinodun Players. Agatha Christie was once their President and lived and died in nearby Cholsey.

Corn Exchange

We had drinks and cake in the Old Post Office, now a gastro pub - over the door is a rare monogram of Edward Vlll - the post office was built the year he abdicated. Yes, there is a new Post Office!

The Old Post Office

When I went to the Medical Practice to have a blood test, I saw more of the history, passing the old mill almshouses Kinecroft and the Coach and Horses pub and Wilders Foundry.

Wilders Foundry, now flats

Wallingford Museum is in Flint House which stands on land that once belonged to the Priory. The Priory was dissolved in 1532 by Cardinal Wolsey, who then used the money towards building his new college in Oxford - now known as Christ Church, much visited by us a couple of weeks ago!

Flint House

Other delights at Wallingford (apart from the history) for the modern narrowboater are - a Waitrose, chemists, lots of cafés, pubs, small independent shops, charity shops and a launderette. Plenty to keep us occupied for a few days!