1006

Burning of Wallingford by Danes. Sweyn, King of Denmark, marches from Southampton and destroys the town by fire, before moving on to Cholsey.

Sweyn, King of Denmark

1013

Wallingford, now rebuilt, is visited by Sweyn (father of King Cnut).

1025

Approximate date of Seal-die of Godwin and Godgytha, found at Wallingford.

1066

William the Conqueror invades England, fighting the Battle of Hastings on the 14^th October. Unable to cross the Thames at Southwark he continues westward to Wallingford, where Wigod, thane of Wallingford opens the gates to him. In December at Wallingford, the first English submissions to William takes place. Archbishop Stigand of Canterbury leads a delegation of important English bishops and thanes, who surrendered. By Christmas, the earls Edwin, Morcar and Waltheof, along with Archbishop Ealdred of York, have also surrendered, having ensured that their positions will be secure under the new régime. Robert D’Oilly, a favourite of William’s, marries Aldgitha, Wigod’s only daughter. At this point Wallingford has 276 houses.

William the Conquerer

1067

William commands Robert D’Oyley to build a strong castle at Wallingford.

Motte of Wallingford Castle

1069

William imposes a curfew or "couvre feu" when fires had to be put out across the country at 8 pm, but Wallingford is allowed an extra hour.

1071

Wigod died. The motte and bailey of the castle is finished. Aldred of Abingdon is imprisoned in the castle, probably for his part in the rebellion of Edwin and Morcar.

1077

Wallingford Priory is established by Paul, Abbot of St Albans in the Church of the Holy Trinity, given by Geoffrey the Chamberlain. Robert D'Oyley is credited with supplying funds.

A page from the Domesday Book

1086

Domesday book says there are 491 houses in Wallingford, and 22 Frenchmen living in the town, amongst about 3000 residents in total. Eight properties had been demolished to build the castle. There are 15 acres belonging to housecarls, professional Danish troops.

1097