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Wallingford
Oxfordshire
Wallingford received its first charter in 1155, making it
one of the oldest boroughs in the country. A 900 foot bridge
stands on the site of an ancient ford, giving access to this
charming river side town. Wallingford is a crucial crossing
point of the River Thames, and as such is of great strategic
importance. William the Conqueror crossed the river here in
1067; there are remains of a Norman castle which was noted
for the strength of its defences, tested for the last time
when it was the last Royalist stronghold to surrender. There
is a 17th century Town Hall, many timber framed buildings,
lovely streets, houses and inns and a beautiful view over
the bridge. The church in the market square has an
impressive tower.
Contact: Mike
Lupton
Tel./Fax: +44 (0)1491 834558
Home Sweet Home, Roke,
Oxfordshire
Village signposted off B4009
Benson--Watlington
The low-walled garden at the front of this rather smart
thatched and tiled old house looks out on to the quiet
hamlet, and is ideal for an excellent lunch on a sunny day;
there are lots of flowers around the tables out by the well.
Inside, the two smallish, bare-boarded and stone-walled
rooms of the bar have a good country atmosphere, as well as
have heavy stripped beams, leather armed chairs, a few
horsey or game pictures such as a nice Thorburn print of
snipe, and big log fires - one with a great high-backed
settle facing it across a hefty slab of a rustic table. On
the right, a carpeted room with low settees and armchairs,
and an attractive corner glass cupboard, leads through to
the restaurant. Very good bar food, particularly good
vegetables. Well kept Brakspears Bitter and Eldridge Pope
Royal Oak on handpump, and a good choice of malt whiskies.
Free house - Licensees Jill
Madle, Peter and Irene Mountford - Real ale -
Meals and snacks (till 10pm) - Restaurant -
(01491) 838249 - Well behaved children welcome - Open 11-3, 5.30-11
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