House & Family History: In the Castle's glory days it was visited by Henry VIII (in 1539) and Elizabeth I (1568). Donnington Castle was the subject of an 18-month siege during the Civil War that left it largely ruined. In In 1646 Parliament voted to demolish the remnants of the Castle. All that remains today are the earthen works of the Castle and the ruins of the Grade I-listed Gatehouse, which was later used as a home (see "Images" section).

House Listed: Scheduled Ancient Monument

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Richard Abberbury the Elder, 1386-98. Thomas Chaucer, 1398-1400. William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk, until 1450. Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk and 1st Viscount Lisle, 1514-35. Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham and 2nd Baron Howard of Effingham, 1600-24. John Packer, 17th century; Robert Packer, 18th century. Winchcombe Henry Howard Hartley, 1833-81.

Current Ownership Type: English Heritage

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01732-778-000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No