Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Saturday 10 July 2021

Conservation at Wallingford Castle


I have only visited the remains of Wallingford Castle once. What was a castle of great importance, capital of the Honor of Wallingford, is now just basically earthworks with  few fragments of stone walls - not dissimilar to the fate of the castle in my home town of Pontefract, although there is even less visible walling at Wallingford.

However funding has now been made available by Historic England to conserve what does survive and hopefully to encourage greater interest in the site. This is outlined in a BBC News article, which also includes a reconstruction of the very impressive appearance of the castle in the late middle ages. This can be seen at Medieval castle ruins to undergo repairs

Wikipedia has an illustrated account of the history of the castle, which concentrates on the part it played in the conflict between the Empress Matilda and King Stephen. This can be accessed at Wallingford Castle


3 comments:

John F H H said...

I was struck by the references to St.Nicholas' College in the links you provided, and, following this up, found
https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/berks/vol2/pp103-106
which may be of interest.

Once I was a Clever Boy said...

Many thanks for this link, which I will look at.

Once I was a Clever Boy said...

An interesting account with a considerable number of insights into the life of the community. It is much better documented than, for example, appears to be the case with the equivalent foundation in my home town at Pontefract or, I suspect, at nearby Tickhill. Once again many thanks, and thanks also to those who have put the VCH online.