URPoint Details
Castle Donington pleasantly blends both old and new. Modern shops stand alongside dignified Georgian houses and a 16th/17th century timber-framed house can be found in the town centre.
Donington was mentioned in the Domesday Book and had a Castle which was originally built by Eustace, Baron Haulton, hereditary Constable, who was killed in battle against the Welsh in 1157.
The 8th Baron Haulton's support for Magna Carta resulted in the castle being demolished by King John. It was rebuilt in 1278 and four of its subsequent owners died by the executioner's axe. Later owned by Joan, mother of Richard II, and Chaucer is said to have written his poem The Fair Maid of Kent while visiting her there. It eventually passed to the Hastings family in 1598, but was later abandoned and fell into complete decay. Only the site of the castle, a tree-clad mound, can be seen.
Outside the village is Donington Park, containing an imposing Hall, home of the family of the Marquess of Hastings. The Mansion was built in 1793 by Wilkins in the "Strawberry Hill" Gothic style then in vogue. It is of vast proportions and adorned with open work castellation and an array of castellated turrets. The centre of
- Type:
- Landmark