Berkeley Castle

Built to safeguard the Severn Vale from marauders, the present Berkeley Castle was begun in 1117. It is remarkable that the Castle has survived together with, the Berkeley family, the archives, contents, estate and town. Its place in history is significant because the Berkeleys and their home played an important part in the power struggles of so many centuries.

One of the March Castles, it has all the trappings: trip steps, arrow slits, murder holes, enormous barred doors, portcullis slots. Outside, the battlements drop some 60' to the Great Lawn below. The most significant event in the Castle's history was the murder of Edward II on 21st September 1327. The cell where Edward was murdered can still be seen by visitors today.

In the Castle are treasures collected by the Berkeleys throughout the centuries, including Francis Drake's furniture, Queen Elizabeth I's bedspread, and the banner the 4th Earl of Berkeley took with him to the Battle of Culloden.

During the Civil War, the Castle was captured by Parliament and the Keep breached rendering the fortress indefensible. It was agreed the Castle would be returned to the Berkeleys on condition the damage was never repaired