History of Newbury Castle in the Royal County of Berkshire
by David Nash Ford

N E W B U R Y
C A S T L E

Not in Newbury at All!

Reports of Newbury Castle have been vastly overstated. It is unfortunate for the town, which has always displayed the building with pride on its coat of arms. It has recently been proved that there is only one definite record of the castle's existence: that in an old French journal, telling how it was besieged by King Stephen in 1153. This would indicate a very lightweight motte and bailey affair that probably disappeared shortly after its capture. Archaeological investigation has shown no sign of it around the traditional site, down at the Wharf. The castle may have stood anywhere in the local area, though probably in Hampstead Marshall.