reading time: 3 minutes
Donnington Castle in Berkshire is a hauntingly beautiful location, where the echoes of long history mingle with chilling tales of ghostly sightings…
Donnington Castle, located near the town of Newbury in Berkshire, England, is a historic fortress with a rich and storied history. Built in the 14th century, the castle has been instrumental in several key events in England’s past. It also has a reputation for being one of the most haunted castles in the country.
Donnington Castle was originally built as a fortress in the 13th century by Sir Richard Abberbury, a loyal supporter of King Edward III. It was strategically located near the town of Newbury, an important crossroads during the Middle Ages. The castle served not only as a military stronghold, but also as a residence.
Over the centuries, the castle underwent several renovations and additions, including the construction of a large tower at the end of the 14th century. This tower served as the lookout point and main residence of the castle. In the late 14th century, the castle was visited by King Henry VI and his queen, Margaret of Anjou, on their way to the Battle of Tewkesbury.
Civil War and after
During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Donnington Castle was used as a military stronghold by both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. The castle was eventually captured by Parliamentarian troops, who then used it as a prison for Royalist soldiers. After the Civil War, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
In the late 19th century, the castle was bought by the town council and efforts were made to preserve and restore the site. Today, visitors can explore the castle and see remnants of its long history, including the great tower, the castle ramparts, and the remains of the castle’s defensive walls.
Ghosts of Donnington Castle
Donnington Castle has a long history of ghostly sightings and paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly encounters going back hundreds of years. Some of the most notable chases include:
The Green Lady: A ‘green lady’ has been seen lurking at the gates of the castle. She reportedly asks anyone passing by why the gates are closed before suddenly disappearing. Mysterious candlelight can also be seen in the castle at night.
The soldier and the screaming woman: A group of friends camping in the castle reported an alarming encounter. They heard a bloodcurdling scream and reportedly saw an elderly Royalist soldier holding a woman in a headlock. When they yelled at the ghostly figure, it turned and growled at them, before both the soldier and the woman vanished into thin air.
The ghostly white dog: One couple reported seeing a white dog appear near the castle, before venturing into the nearby woods. The dog is said to be silent and often runs down the hill before disappearing.
The Mind of a Woman: It is said that this ghost is that of a woman who was trapped in the castle for years and is said to wander the castle grounds in search of her lost love.
The Ghost of a Soldier: Visitors have reported seeing the ghost of a soldier killed in battle, wandering the ramparts and battlements of the castle.
Strange noises: Visitors have reported hearing strange noises while exploring the castle, including ghostly footsteps, unexplained whispers, and a woman’s blood-curdling screams.
Unexplained Lights: Some visitors have reported seeing unexplained lights in the castle, especially in the main tower.
You will find Donnington Castle in Donnington, Newbury RG14 2LE
Have you seen a ghost in Donnington Castle? Tell us about it in the comments below!
