Donnington Castle (Berks) Multi-cache

The twin towered gatehouse of a late 14th century fort are all that remains of Donnington Castle. From here it is possible to see across impressive earthworks and look far out towards Newbury. The earliest mention of the manor of 'Deritone' is found in the Domesday Survey. It is around this manor that we think Richard de Abberbury, a close associate of King Richard II, built his castle. In 1415 de Abberbury sold the castle to Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet and a serif or Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Speaker of the House of Commons.

The castle remained in the family until it was confiscated by the crown in 1503 following the War of the Roses. Throughout the next 150 years it was passed from monarch to monarch and given to various nobles. Edward VI is said to have given the castle to his half-sister, who became Elizabeth I as gift. She was said to be less than impressed! With the threat of civil unrest, in 1643 Charles I sent Colonel John Boys to hold Donnington for him, it being of strategic importance on the Newbury to Bath road. Boys set about strengthening the castle’s position by building earthworks. In July 1644 the Parliamentarian Lieutenant-General Middleton attempted to seize the castle. Despite incurring large numbers of casualties Boys managed to hold the rebels back until October when the King’s army arrived. Charles was understandably grateful and gave Boys a knighthood. It was in vain however because by 1646 the castle would no longer resist attack despite attempts to repair it and Boys surrendered. The castle is now in the care of English Heritage.

Click here for an information sheet by West Berkshire Heritage & Tourism Service on Donnington Castle.

This is an 3-part offset multi-cache. You can park very close to the coordinates given but not that the road to the castle is only open between 9:30 and 18:30. Outside these times you can park a short distance away in Donnington village.

Part one. Find the first date on the notice board and make this ABCD.
The coordinates of Part two are N 51° 25.(C-D)DD W 001° 20.(C-B)DD

Part two. How many nail are attaching the Lambourne Way signs to the post? This is X.
The coordinates of Part three are N 51° 25.(X/4)(X-3)(X-2) W 001° 20.(X/2)(X+1)(X-2)

Part three. This is a small ammo box containing the usual goodies. There is a camera so please take a photo. There are also some souvenir cards: please help yourself to one.