A History of the Towns

Step back in time in South Oxfordshire

The four main towns of the area each have their own story to tell regarding their past.

Didcot

Didcot is a town with Saxon roots. Its original Saxon name was Wibaldinton and as recently as the 1900s the town was still called Dudecote. This place-name appears in the Doomsday Inquest of 1086.

Didcot's transformation from a rural location into the small town it is today began with the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1839 and the building of Brunelīs railway station in 1844.

Henley on Thames

Henley-on-Thames was founded in the 12th century. Situated on the banks of the River Thames and on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, its owes much to its location as a port, which was established to supply London with timber and grain.

Henley Bridge is a five-arched structure across the river and was built in 1786. The church of St Mary is located alongside the river and features a tower built in the 16th century.

Henley's international fame today comes mainly from the Royal Regatta, which was first held in 1829.

Thame

Thame can also trace its roots back to Saxon days. A settlement could be found by the 'dark flowing' river from which the town takes its name.

Before the Norman conquest Thame was in the diocese of Dorchester. It is believed that missionaries rowed up the River Thames from Dorchester and converted Thame to Christianity.

The market place has a typical boat-shaped appearance, with narrow entrances at both ends and a market has been held there on every Tuesday since 1230.

Wallingford

Wallingford is a town steeped in history. Built by King Alfred in the 9th century, the layout remains largely unchanged since this time. Ruins of its castle, built in the 10th century by William the Conqueror and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War in 1652, still remain today and can be explored in the Castle Gardens.

During its downfall the castle's stones were shipped along the Thames to help build Windsor Castle.

Wallingford also had its own mint, from the reign of King Athelstan (924 - 940 AD) until the reign of King Henry III (1216 - 1272 AD), where silver pennies were minted for over 300 years.

The town also has one of the oldest Charters of Liberties, granted by Henry II in 1155 as a reward for supporting his mother Matilda. The Charter allowed Wallingford to have its own Guild and Burgesses and to have regular markets - traditions that continue to this day.

When visiting Wallingford, listen out for the curfew bell that tolls just before 9pm. As a thank you for their cooperation in building the castle, William the Conqueror gave the people of Wallingford an extra hour before curfew - 9pm instead of 8pm. It still tolls today to declare the king's ancient favour.