The History of Donington Hall and Park

This Neolithic polished stone axe found at Donington Park in 1959, is made from stone quarried at Great Langdale in the Lake District, which shows evidence of long distance trade routes. This area of Leicestershire near the Rivers Trent and Soar is rich in prehistoric remains.

A castle was built at Donington in the early 12th-century castle and held by the de Lacy family. It was attacked around the time of Magna Carta. It was demolished in 1595 by Sir George Hastings. This Midland Purple dripping or fish dish with a green glaze, c.1450-1600 was made locally at Ticknall, Derbyshire and dates to the final period of the castle.

Sir George Hastings incorporated stone from the castle into his new house at Donington Park at the start of the 17th century. This building was later demolished to make way for the house that currently stands. Late Medieval Midland Purple Ware cooking pot, c.1450-1600.

The current house was built from 1790 for Francis Rawdon-Hastings, 2nd Earl of Moira in a gothic style by William Watkins.