 Her influence extended down into Devon and Cornwall, and north through Herefordshire, but her authority in these areas remained limited.She faced a counterattack from Stephen, who started by attacking Wallingford Castle which controlled the Thames corridor; it was held by Brian Fitz Count and Stephen found it too well defended.Stephen continued into Wiltshire to attack Trowbridge, taking the castles of South Cerney and Malmesbury en route.