Leaving Cathy's apartment (thank you again for your hospitality) we traveled north and west into beautiful English countryside. It was such a nice drive, many trees flowering pink and white, most fields a gentle green, with the odd brilliant yellow field of rapeseed. We're continuously amazed that we can find our destinations in England with all the motorways going this way and that, no signposts saying we're headed north or south, and roundabouts at major intersections. We zigzagged until we found Wallingford, a quaint old town steeped in history. We had wanted to visit there as we'd been following a murder mystery series called Midsomer Murders which had been filmed in the area, as well as the Agatha Christie series of Miss Marple. But, what we found was much more interesting than film locations. Wallingford is on the Thames River, and it was at this point that William the Conqueror in 1066 crossed the river on his way to capture London. He liked this area so much, seeing so much potential, he built a castle on the west side of the river; the remains can still be seen in the surrounding fields and meadows. It must have been an imposing castle with 3 moats, high stone walls, and the Queen's Tower.
We really enjoyed walking along the Thames River, looking at the brightly painted river boats
. We saw some rowers on the river, too. This is one of the calmest, most straight stretches of the Thames, perfect for rowers. Weeping willow trees added to the charm of the riverbanks. Wherever we walked, we were impressed by the amount of land that has been reserved for public footpaths. We were careful to close gates, and cross stiles from one field to the next, but everywhere there was a feeling that we were welcome to walk, stroll, enjoy the riverbanks and meadows, swans and ducks, castle ruins and old churches and their cemeteries. The bridge was interesting as well. Originally a ford in the river, as being the shallowest place to cross, an 800 ft. long stone bridge with 19 arches was built in medieval times. In the 1500's, a charter allowed the town to collect tolls from people and goods going over, and under the bridge. As this was, and still is, a market town, it must have been an important source of revenue.
After a pleasant day walking in and around Wallingford, we returned to our B&B "The Old Schoolhouse" for the night, and devoured a delicious British breakfast the next morning. We'd highly recommend it; the owners were so friendly and very good cooks; the rooms and gardens were peaceful and comfortable. There's nothing nicer than falling asleep to the sound of robins outside an open window!
English Countryside Charm
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Wallingford, England, United Kingdom
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