The Historic Homes of England: Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Berkeley Castle, Berkeley, Gloucestershire
The castle dates back to the early Norman period and in 1327 was the scene of the alleged gruesome murder of King Edward II. The first building, a motte and bailey, was erected in 1067 and the edifice initially passed to Robert Fitzharding, an early member of the Berkeley family who were later given permission to rebuild and extend the site with the aim of defending the Bristol to Gloucester road (now the A38), as well as the estuary of the River Severn which at the time was an important trading route.
In 1326 it was ransacked by the forces of Hugh Despenser, a favourite of Edward II, but the hapless king was later imprisoned before his subsequent murder and his cell is still on display to visitors. Ironically, in the same century the great hall was given a magnificent new roof.
During the Civil War the castle was captured by the Parliamentarians but the Berkeley family was allowed to stay throughout hostilities. They are still resident today in what is the third oldest continuously occupied castle, only the royal fortresses of the Tower of London and Windsor Castle pre-dating it.
A member of the Historic Houses Association, Berkeley Castle is open every day from Sunday to Wednesday during April to October, and further information can be obtained by ringing 01254 810303 or by emailing info@berkeley-castle.com .