DONNINGTON CASTLE

Not the famous motor-racing one, this one, with the double 'n', is tucked away in the village of Donnington near Newbury, Berkshire.

The castle was a fortified residence of the 14th century. Its striking

twin-towered gatehouse was built in the 1380s for Sir Richard de Abberbury, a knight in the service of the Black Prince. Surrounding the medieval castle are the remains of artillery defences constructed in 1643-44.

The castle was badly damaged during a 20-month siege in the Civil War.

Now maintained by English Heritage.