Wallingford Christian Assembly

The Gospel Hall, Atwell Close

Wallingford, Oxfordshire

England. OX10 0LH.

Historical Account

History of the town

The original settlement at Wallingford dates back to the dawn of British history, due to its location on the River Thames and being close to the Icknield Way. The strategic importance of Wallingford was evident shortly after Norman the Conqueror was victorious at Hastings and marched up to London in 1066. Having been held back by the natural obstacle of the River Thames he marched fifty miles on the southern side to Wallingford. Having crossed the Thames, where the river is shallow enough to "ford" he marched back to London on the northern side.

A castle was completed in 1071, which became one of the most important castles in England in its heyday. King Henry II held his first parliament in 1154 at Wallingford, and he subsequently granted the town a charter. The town also received a mention in the Magna Carta of 1215, along with only a handful of other towns.

During the Civil War (1642-6) the town was occupied by Royalists sieged by Parliamentary forces. The Castle was then demolished stone by stone on the personal order of Oliver Cromwell; all that now remains are the ruins of a tower facing the river, a small section of the hall overlooking the northern moat, the massive earthworks and a castle mound.

From this time, the town's importance began to decline but much architecture from the middle Ages still remains. The magnificent stone bridge is similar to the old London Bridge. Both bridges have nineteen arches, and Wallingford Bridge is 900 feet long – 15 feet shorter than the old London Bridge.

Today Wallingford is a bustling market town with a population of nearly 7000.

History of the Assembly

In the mid 1970's three families were living in Wallingford, but were in fellowship at neighbouring assemblies. For seven years these believers were exercised about bringing the gospel to people in their locality and they held a weekly prayer meeting in their home. On 1st October 1978, the assembly was formed with the fellowship and commendation of neighbouring assemblies. For seventeen years the assembly met at the Scout Hut, off Station Road, looking for a site to build a Gospel Hall. Land became available when a new housing development was commenced in the 1980's. However, it was not until the 1990's that land could be acquired to build the Hall. In October 1995, the new hall was opened on the site of an old Work House, Atwell Close.

The pictures below paint the story from the Scout Hut to present day. They also include the Gospel Tent in Radnor Road, Sunday School Outing, Assembly group picture in 1994 and venue for the "open-Air" meeting in the Market Square. If you click on one of the thumbnails, you can see an enlarged picture.

Wallingford Town Square

Gospel Tent

Friday Club Outing

The Emblings outside the Scout Hut, and assembly inside the Scout Hut in 1994.

Proposed site for new hall, showing original Work House

Building work commences

Inside the new hall

Special children's meetings with Robert Plant in 2005