Newbury: History

The early history of Newbury is well documented in the West Berkshire Museum in the Centre of Newbury housed in an old Jacobean building by the Wharf. Click on Newbury Museum for more information. There has been a settlement in Newbury for over 1000 years because of its position as a river crossing.

Newbury became a borough in the 1070's and the previous settlement was known as Ulverton. The castle at Donnington was besieged by King Stephen in 1153 and King John and his son visited the town in 1200. Newbury became a centre for the manufacture of Cloth in the 15th Century until the 17th Century. Most famous of these cloth manufacturers was John Smallwood known as 'Jack of Newbury'.

Newbury sided with the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War and was taken by the Royalists in 1643 at the Battle of Newbury and the Castle at Donnington was also captured and largely destroyed. Click on Donnington Castle for more information about the Castle.

In 1830 there were Agricultural riots which were put down by the High Sheriff John Walter with the Grenadier Guards sent from London and local volunteers.

Modern Newbury boasts a Racecourse, Market and many local attractions. There is a good shopping centre and numerous restuarants, pubs and nightclubs.

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