Photo: Berkeley Castle by Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Berkeley Castle stands above the River Severn in Gloucestershire, its origins dating to 1067.
The stone castle was built by the Berkeley family in the 12th century and has remained in their ownership ever since, making it one of England's longest continuously held castles.
Tradition holds that King Edward II was murdered in the castle's dungeon in 1327, a story that continues to draw visitors interested in this pivotal moment in medieval history.
The Berkeley Castle Charitable Trust now manages the property, which opens to the public for much of the year.
History
The Berkeley family took possession of the site in the late 11th century and rebuilt the castle in stone during the 12th century. Following that period, it remained their home except for a time under royal control during the Tudor era. The estate has been passed down through the Berkeley family since that time, and continues as a family-held property to the present day.
Architecture
Berkeley Castle is a Grade I listed building, its Norman shell keep and medieval great hall adapted and extended by successive generations rather than rebuilt from scratch.
Worth knowing
The castle regularly serves as a filming location. It has hosted exhibitions connected to significant works of English literature and history.
Gardens & grounds
The castle's walled Kitchen Garden, set within its medieval boundaries, now serves visitors.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Lydney Rail Station (3.6 miles)
Open March to October; check official website for current dates and times.
Nearby properties
St James' Church, Charfield
View St James' Church, Charfield on heritage mapKingswood Abbey gate
View Kingswood Abbey gate on heritage mapKingswood Abbey
View Kingswood Abbey on heritage mapUley Long Barrow
View Uley Long Barrow on heritage mapFrampton Court
View Frampton Court on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of Berkeley Castle there are 19 historic properties, including 8 historic buildings, 4 historic houses and 2 churchs, across English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Berkeley Castle there are 56 historic properties, including 18 historic buildings, 14 historic houses and 11 churchs, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
One of only a handful of English castles held by the same family for over 850 years.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Gloucestershire, England
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