The Charter and the Helter-Skelter: Castle Donington By Heart
Every October, someone stands at the foot of a helter-skelter on Borough Street and reads out a charter from 1278. That one moment tells you most of what you need to know about Castle Donington. It's very old, it's very busy, and it still does things its own way.
This is a small book about a big village. It's for people who've lived here all their lives, for the ones who've moved onto the new estates and want to know where they've landed, and for Donno-ites who left years ago and still get a pang when they see Borough Street in a photo.
Get the book, instant download
What's inside
- The old heart. Bondgate, Borough Street and Clapgun Street, and the castle on Castle Hill, until the Hastings family pulled it down in 1595 and reused the stone for their house in Donington Park.
- King's Mills. The Trent crossing that turns up in a charter from 1009, before the Normans arrived.
- The one that got away. The July night in 1915 when a German pilot slipped out of the prison camp at Donington Hall and walked about seven miles to Derby station.
- Lace, coal and cargo. The lace trade, the power station from 1958 to 1994, and the airport from 1965.
- Donington Park. Monsters of Rock, Senna's 1993 race and Download.
- The Wakes, explained. The charter, setup day, the roads that usually shut, and where people park.
- New here? A starter section on the museum, the Hub, and walks you can do from your front door.
- Your pages. Blank pages at the back for the stories you know better than any book.
Who it's for
Lifelong locals, newer neighbours, ex-residents anywhere in the world, and anyone who needs a present for someone who grew up here.
The details
Instant PDF download. Reads well on a phone or tablet, and prints at home. Free updates when anything changes.
Put together by Joel at Roots & Routes, from just up the road in South Derbyshire.