Wallingford Anglo-Saxon Ramparts

Wallingford Anglo-Saxon Ramparts

Archaeology

Wallingford town defences, probably first constructed during the reign of Alfred as part of his strategy to defend Wessex against Viking attack. Mention of Wallingford is made in the Burghal Hidage, as a 'burgh', or fortified stronghold, with 2,400 hides of land. The defences originally consisted of an earthen bank and ditch with timber revetting; a stone wall may have been added in the 11th century. The line of the bank can be clearly seen, particularly the western edge running parallel with Croft Rd, and the well-preserved south-west corner. There are gaps in the fortification which may have been made during the Civil War as placements for cannon. The Norman castle was also re-fortified during this period, and subsequently pulled down.

Thomas Birkett

Late 9th century; probably refortified in the early 11th century.