SHAW-cum-DONNINGTON, a parish in the hundred of FAIRCROSS, county of BERKS, lj mile (N. E.) from Speenhamland, containing 531 inhabitants. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Berks, and diocese of Salisbury, rated in the king's books at £12. 11. 8., and in the patronage of the Rev. Thomas Penrose, D. C. L. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. The River Lambourn runs through the parish. An attempt was made by a soldier of Cromwell's army, in 1644, to assassinate Charles I. at the manor-house, his usual place of rest, when journeying to the West of England; a brass plate fixed on the spot where the ball entered still records the event. In the second battle of Newbury this mansion was garrisoned for the king, and attacked by a large body of the enemy, which was repulsed with great loss. Several cannon balls> since found at intervals about the grounds, are preserved as are also a cloak, hat, bridle, and spur belonging to the Protector, and a bed on which Queen Anne reposed. Here are almshouses for twelve poor persons, founded about 1618, by Sir Richard Abberbury, Knt.