The West Berkshire Historic Environment Record (HER) is the primary index of the physical remains of past human activity in the unitary authority of West Berkshire Council. Limited elements of the West Berkshire HER are available online via the Heritage Gateway, therefore it is not suitable for use in desk-based studies associated with development, planning and land-use changes, and does not meet the requirements of paragraph 194 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021: 56). Please read the important guidance on the use of the West Berkshire HER data. For these purposes and all other commercial enquiries, please contact the Archaeology team and complete our online HER enquiry form.

This site is designated as being of national importance and is afforded additional protection. Consult West Berkshire Council's Archaeology team if more information or advice is needed.

Summary

Grade I listed building within a scheduled monument, the best preserved upstanding part of a 14th century castle, with brick patching from Civil War damage

Associated Legal Designations or Protected Status

• Listed Building (I) 1291031: DONNINGTON CASTLE
• Registered Park or Garden (II) 1000534: Donnington Grove
• Scheduled Monument 1007926: DONNINGTON CASTLE: A QUADRANGULAR CASTLE AND 17TH CENTURY FIELDWORK.

Other Statuses and Cross-References

• Berkshire SMR No. (pre 2000): 01041.02.000
  

Monument Type(s):

• GATEHOUSE (14th century to 17th century - 1386 AD to 1700 AD)

Full Description

PART OF SM 19013. CASTLE GATEHOUSE- COMPLETE (BRICK PATCHING PROB DATES FROM CIVIL WAR PERIOD)
<1> The gatehouse was added to the castle courtyard in c 1386 and is now the only surviving building. It is an imposing structure, c65' high, and resembles the gate of Saltwood Castle, Kent, which was probably built by the royal mason Henry Tevele. It has been suggested that Yevele's friend Willam de Wynford may have been the architect for Donnington - he was known to have been working at Oxford, Winchester and Highclere in the late 14th century. The gatehouse is three storeys in height, an oblong block with two circular towers rising a further stage. There was a barbican or outwork on either side of the entrance. Evidence of a drawbridge pit has been found. It has been suggested that the castle courtyard buildings, other than the gatehouse, were built in timber <2> <3>.

The gatehouse is an iconic building and has been depicted in numerous illustrations since the 18th century (see HER entry for Donnington Castle).

Sources and further reading

Related Monuments

Associated Excavations and Fieldwork

If you have any comments or new information about this record, please email us.

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.