Wallingford has more history than the entirety of North America, past, present and future but has managed to keep this priceless legacy intact and today consists of a couple of brick walls, a bit of a mound and a field containing the remains of some ancient civilisation. If the inhabitants of Wallingford had realised how much some insignificant objects such as swords, coins and pieces of armour were worth today, they’d gone to greater length to preserve their old heritage. During our trip there was an architectural dig going on. This involves several teams from several universities sitting in a field and delicately digging sum pieces of turf using a knife and fork. The Cabin Boy, once again was full of questions and asked “What type of people take part in this particular activity?” The First Mate replied “In order to take part in such “digs” you have to be an anorak of the first order, enjoy Morris dancing, and be a sniper spec wearing vegetarian”. The Captain added “You also get these history professors who go away for a dirty weekend with some of their students at the tax payer’s expense “. The Cabin Boy sniggered and said “That reminds us of someone doesn’t it First Mate”
The town boasts perhaps the best example of a Saxon Town rampart as well as a planned street network that is over 1000 years old together with the earthworks of an important royal castle.
The town is one of Britain’s oldest Royal Boroughs and was granted a charter to this effect over 800 years ago and before the Norman Conquest it housed the Mint.
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