1126

Waleran de Beaumont is imprisoned at Wallingford by Henry I.

1127

Wallingford's burgesses are pardoned debts because of their poverty, in a trend that continues for many years.

1139

Brien FitzCount fortifies the castle. In this year he declares himself a supporter of Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, in her battles with her cousin King Stephen, who claimed the throne in 1135. Stephen sets siege to the castle for the first of 3 times, building two counter castles. Stephen’s garrison at Wallingford is defeated by Miles of Gloucester, and the counter castles destroyed.

Empress Matilda

1141

Matilda's escape to Wallingford

1142

Brian FitzCount assembles his forces at Wallingford  Stephen lays siege to Wallingford Castle from a castle built at Crowmarsh.

A leper hospital is established in Crowmarsh, near Watery Lane, which became associated with St John's Hospice in Wallingford.

1146

Stephen once more attacks Wallingford, this time with Ranulf, Earl of Chester (who dies in 1152).

King Stephen

1152

Stephen’s men take Wallingford Bridge and build a defensive wooden tower on one of two counter castles. Stephen lays siege to Brien FitzCount and Roger, Earl of Hereford, at Wallingford Castle. Roger makes peace and changes allegiance to Stephen.

1153

Henry, Duke of Normandy (Matilda’s son), attacks the counter castle. He builds an earthwork around the counter castle and his forces, and captures the bridge turret. Stephen brings a large force, including his son Eustace IV, and they face Henry’s men across the bridge. William d'Aubigny, 1st Earl of Arundel successfully argues the futility of further fighting. A truce, known as the Treaty of Wallingford, was agreed in a discussion between Henry and Stephen over a stream. This truce lasts 5 days, but although there are minor battles, including the taking of Ipswich, a treaty confirming the agreement is written at Winchester, and signed at Westminster, following the death of Eustace (who apparently wished to fight on). The treaty involves the destruction of Crowmarsh Castle, and recognised Henry as heir to the throne. The treaty requires Wallingford to give sureties.

Henry II

1155

Henry becomes king (Henry II), holds a Great Council in Wallingford and gives the town its charter. The Charter gives citizens of Wallingford "firm peace throughout the whole land". It exempts Wallingford from certain taxes and confirms earlier rights. It also confers the right to have a Guild of Merchants, and bans a market in Crowmarsh.

1156

Prince William, Count of Poitiers, aged 2 dies at Wallingford Castle. He was the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Eleanor of Aquitane

Henry II sends Nicholas of Wallingford to the Pope to get permission to invade Ireland to free it from its perceived vices.

In the Assize of Clarendon, Henry II returns judicial powers to the throne: "And let there not be any one within a castle or outside a castle, or indeed in the honor of Wallingford, who shall refuse to let the sheriffs enter his court or his land to view the frank-pledges and to see that all are under pledges; and let them be sent before the sheriffs under a free pledge."

Nicholas, Prior of Wallingford is sent to Waterford to read the Bull of Pope Adrian, which decrees that Ireland belongs to Henry II.

1190

Wallingford Castle is given to Walter de Coutances, Archbishop of Rouen, through arrangement with King Richard I’s brother, Earl John. When Richard is at the crusades, Earl John takes possession of the castle. The king’s allies, including the Earl of Leicester, besiege it and retake it, and it is then put in possession of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen Dowager in 1193.