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18th C

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1701

Jethro Tull invents the seed drill at Howbery Farm, Crowmarsh.

Jethro Tull's house in Crowmarsh

1704

St Leonard’s Church is reopened, following serious damage during the Civil War. A stage coach service between Wallingford and London begins.

St Leonard's Church

1706-7

A smallpox epidemic hits Wallingford.

1709

The return of Thomas Renda to parliament was disputed on grounds of bribery and other illegal practices by Edward Leigh, but the election was upheld.

1715

The return of William Hucks to parliament was disputed on grounds of bribery, by unsuccesful candidate Richard Bigg, but the election was upheld. Edmund Dunch, a member of the Kit-Kat club, is elected, the last in a line of Dunchs to represent Wallingford.

1720

The Wells family opens Wallingford Brewery in Goldsmith's Lane.

1720

George Parker, astronomer, becomes MP for Wallingford and also a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his contribution to science.

1733

Jethro Tull publishes "The Horse-hoing husbandry" describing his research in which he developed the seed drill, a major step forward in the agricultural revolution.

1724

The Quakers' Meeting House in Castle Street was built.Flood

1731

Thomas Tanner, antiquary, loses much of his valuable book collection when his barge sinks near Wallingford.

1734

Flood

1737

William Hucks, MP for Wallingford, is robbed by Dick Turpin in Epping Forest, and 11 guineas taken.

1751

Stone arches in Wallingford bridge removed during the civil war in 1643 are restored by Joseph Absolon. The first turnpike road to Wallingford is constructed.

Castle Priory

1752

Cristopher Crook of Wallingford is recorded as dying at the age of 102 following a healthy life, despite being a "free liver".

1759

Castle Priory built for William Blackstone.

1764

Flood (Jan 17th). The turnpike trust improves the Shillingford to Wallingford road.

1765

Turnpiking of the Wallingford-Nuffield road.

 

1766

Mrs Bradfield of Wallingford is found apparently dead in a field and placed in a coffin, but 3 days later is found to be still alive.

 

1769

St Peter’s rebuilt. William Blackstone completes his "Commentaries on the Laws of England".

William Blackstone

1770

There is a flood which carries away part of the bridge.

 

1777

A spire is added to St Peter’s, designed by Robert Taylor (who also designed 10 Downing Street and the Bank of England), paid for by William Blackstone and others. Death of George Pigot, MP for Wallingford, in prison in Madras.

1778

John Wesley, Methodist leader, preaches in Wallingford.

1780

Death of William Blackstone.

1782

Work on first workhouse begins. Sir Francis Sykes, builder of Basildon Park, elected MP for Wallingford.

The memorial to Blackstone at St Peter's Church

1784

Wallingford to Wantage Road is improved by a turnpike trust. Sir Francis Sykes, builder of Basildon Park, is elected MP for Wallingford.

1789

Hedges Solicitors opens in Wallingford.

1790

Payne and Son jewellers opens - it will run for over 200 years. Nathaniel William Wraxall, writer of historical memoirs, elected MP for Wallingford

1794 Robert Lovegrove, a solicitor,  builds the Baptist Chapel in his own back garden (of Calleva House) on Thames Street.  

1797

An Act of Parliament for paving and lighting of Wallingford was passed. The Act also banned cock throwing (hurling broom handles at a tethered cockerel).

Wallingford Baptist Church

1798

Wallingford raises a volunteer company – 3 officers and 86 men - to face the Napoleonic threat.

 

1799

A Congregationalist Church built in the Market Place.

 
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