Cedar are Kings and Queens of the Castle

Cedar class had great fun when they recently visited the English Heritage site, Donnington Castle, which is on the outskirts of Newbury, as part of their History and Geography topics. Some of our pupils investigated the ruins from the inside out!

Donnington Castle was built in the late 14th century by Sir Richard Abberbury, a soldier, courtier and diplomat who served the Black Prince and his son Richard II. More luxurious residence than fortress, it was one of several castles built around this time by nobles and gentry who had profited from England’s wars with France.

Taken into royal control in 1503, Donnington remained a prestigious residence in the 16th century, notably being fought over by Elizabeth Russell, its keeper under Elizabeth I, and the Earl of Nottingham. It played a major role during the English Civil War, when it endured a 20-month siege. After the castle’s surrender, most of it was demolished, and only the magnificent gatehouse was left standing.

(Info about the history of Donnington Castle from English Heritage)

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