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Donnington Castle | |
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County |
Berkshire | |
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How to get there |
West, off A4 north of Newbury | |
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History |
The
castle was built as a fortified residence in the late 14th century.
The last resident owner John Packer had the castle easily snatched away by Royalists at the beginning of the Civil War. In 1643 Charles I entrusted the castle to Colonel John Boys. He realised that the tall elegant walls were too thin to resist bombardment and immediately set about building an outer defence with huge star-shaped projections. In 1644 a twenty month bombardment began with solid resistance by the Royalists. Eventually four of its towers were in ruins and the castle was taken by the Parliamentarians. In 1646 Parliament voted to demolish the castle. Mr John Packer was allowed to reclaim his former residence although all that remained was the ruined gatehouse which still stands today. |
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