Donnington Castle, Donnington (Berkshire)
The striking 14th century gatehouse of Donnington castle still stands surrounded by Civil War earthworks.
Introduction
The striking twin-towered 14th- century gatehouse of this castle, later the focus of a Civil War siege and battle, survives amid impressive earthworks.
History to the present day
Sited at the top of a hill overlooking the River Lambourne, a mile north of Newbury is Donnington Castle. In 1386, Sir Richard Abberbury was granted a licence to crenellate his property. The castle was a rectangular enclosure with a round tower at each corner and two square towers midway along the longest sides. All that remains is what was once the most impressive part, the gatehouse. The gatehouse comprises a rectangular, three-storey building flanked by two towers.
The castle was seized by Royalist forces during the English Civil War. In charge of its defence was Colonel John Boys who oversaw the construction of a series of earthworks in the shape of a star surrounding the castle. These earthworks still remain today. The castle successfully withstood a Parliamentary siege in July 1644 and in October, King Charles marched to relieve Boys and his men. The second Battle of Newbury was fought around Donnington, and this time the King's men were forced to withdraw. However, Colonel John Boys refused to surrender the castle and after an eighteen month siege, the garrison finally accepted terms for an honourable surrender.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Donnington Castle, Berkshire, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
All year: Any reasonable time in daylight hours;
exterior viewing only
Adnmission prices:
Adult:Free
Children:Free
Concession:Free
Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.
