Fitzharris Castle Mound, Abingdon - FitzHarris Castle was a small Norman castle in Abingdon, constructed between 1071 and 1081. In 1247, it played a part in a well-documented struggle between Hugh Fitz-Harry and Abingdon Abbey for control of the surrounding manor. Today, only earthworks survive. The manor later became known by variants of this name, including Fitzharrys and Fitzharris. The Norman estate had a comfortable house and also a strongpoint on a mound or motte which may have been used subsequently as an ice-house. The property then became a home-farm of the Abbey. After the dissolution of the Abbey in 1538 the freehold passed to the new Borough of Abingdon and the tenancies continued for three centuries.
Wallingford Castle - William the Conqueror gave instructions to build a castle in 1067. The first phase was complete by 1071and was later expanded to be one of the most impressive and powerful castles in England. The castle belonged to the King but in the 14th century it became part of the Duchy of Cornwall and witnessed frequent royal visitors over the following centuries. After the Civil War, Wallingford Castle was garrisoned and used as a prison but in 1652, Cromwell’s Council of State ordered its total demolition. Wallingford Castle occupies a quarter of the largest Saxon fortified town in England and its ramparts include part of the Saxon town walls. Wallingford Castle Meadows covers some 16.6 hectares on the banks of the River Thames in Wallingford and contain the site of Wallingford Castle earthworks. Read more on its history. Download a self-guided walk around Wallingford Castle Meadows.
