DUNINGTON, (Berkshire) or DONINGTON, N. of Spinham-Land, is watered by the little trout-stream, called the Lambourn, which
runs into the Kennet, near Thatcham. The Lp. bel. formerly to Sir Rich. de Adderbury, who is said to have founded a hos.
here; and to have built a castle on the brow of its hill, which was the seat of the celebrated poet, Chaucer; who, as
tradition says, used to compose his poems under an oak remaining there not long ago, which was called Chaucer's oak. The
castle was garrisoned in the civil wars for K. Ch. I. and held out bravely against the E. of Essex, and 3 other Pt.
officers, till relieved by the K. when the siege was raised.