A mile north of Newbury. Built in the late 14th century as a fortified residence at the top of a hill, overlooking the River Lambourne. Only part left standing is the most impressive Gatehouse which dates back to 1386.
At the beginning of the Civil War (date??) the Castles last resident, John Packer had it snatched away by the Royalist forces. It was then entrusted to Colonel John Boys by Charles I. Colonel Boys set about building an outer defence after realising the walls were too thin. In 1644 the castle was solidly defended during a massive 20 month bombardment and eventually, after four of its towers were in ruins, the Castle was taken by the Parliamentarians. The former owner John Packer then reclaimed his former residence but all that was left is what you see today, the gatehouse, after parliament had already given the go ahead for it to be demolished. Surrounded by impressive earthworks and some low remaining walls, Donnington Castle remains is still an impressive sight.
a Picturesque Village in the county of Oxfordshire
(11.8 miles, 19.0 km, direction N)East Hendred is one of the spring line villages nestling just below the Downs in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire...
a Historic Market Town in the county of Oxfordshire
(12.0 miles, 19.3 km, direction N)Wantage is a small historic market town in Oxfordshire, famous for being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, who was born there during the 9th century, though the site of the.....
in the county of Berkshire
(15.8 miles, 25.5 km, direction E)This town lies on the extremities of the Berkshire Downs and the Chiltern Hills at a point where the waters of the rivers Thames and Kennet meet making the River Thames a major river for the rest of its journey to the sea...
in the county of Wiltshire
(16.8 miles, 27.1 km, direction W)Dramatic chalk downs extend from Berkshire into rural Wiltshire, they are particularly rich in pre-historic remains and shelter a wealth of charming market towns and pretty.....
a Picturesque Village in the county of Oxfordshire
(17.1 miles, 27.5 km, direction N)This is a popular Thames side village which was the choice of Jerome K. Jerome for a setting for one of the riotous scenes of his "Three Men in a Boat" and it is easy to see just.....
All towns in Berkshire
This was once a rather plain building until Sir Charles Barry turned it into the matchless beauty we see today. A place of rare.....
Displays of Hendred's Millenium history housed in a Grade one Listed ex-Carthusian Chapel (15th Century)...
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This house stands on a spot where once there may have been a Roman inn or villa. The name means "house of wine" which is a very.....
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