Images: Wallingford castle ground plan from 1912 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallingford_Castle), reconstruction view from on-site plaque, and views of the motte hill (E on the plan) as well as wall fragments, from the so-called “queen’s tower,” and arched doorway from remains of St. Nicholas’ college within the walls (photos by C.A. Stanford)
Acquired: 1509
Henry VIII inherited Wallingford as it was part of the estate of the Duchy of Cornwall. He paid a short visit with the court in 1518 but did not remain long. Some repairs were made in subsequent years to the king’s chamber and stable and the “great tower called le Dungeon” (Colvin, 298).
In 1540, the castle and honor of Wallingford were annexed to the king’s manor of Ewelme, but there is no evidence that the king ever visited in later years, as the castle was “sore yn ruin” though the lodgings of the property were described as “very commodious, decent and pleasant for the king’s own residence” (Colvin, 298). A few portions of stonework as well as surrounding earthworks remain on this site today, and the castle is undergoing archaeological investigation.