The Berkeley Castle of England

A majestic fairy tale-like castle, the Berkeley Castle, located in Gloucestershire, UK, and built in 1117, is the oldest castle in England which is still inhabited by the same family who constructed it, the Berkeleys. Dating back to the earliest part of the 12th century, the archives within the castle, of the Berkeley family, contain 20,000 documents. The records and historical documents from the Medieval period number 6,000, which relate to the history of the estate and the town.

The castle echoes memories of many famous and well known figures who had connections with the Berkeley castle and the honorable Berkeley family who were enthusiastic supporters of their Kings and Queens throughout the centuries.

Only three families in England can trace their ancestry from father to son back to Saxon times, and the Berkeley family is one of the families upon which this honor was bestowed.

King John, who signed the Magna Carta in 1215, was one of the first historical figures to offer his contribution upon the history of the castle.

King Edward II of England was imprisoned at a dungeon in the castle in 1327, and from 1342 to 1402, Castle Chaplain John Trevisa, one of the earliest translators of the Bible, is said to have been at some time in the Berkeley Castle, leaving a translation on the Morning Room ceiling, the former family chapel, which was one of only two in the world at the time. It can still be seen today.

Crowned in 1485, King Henry VII of England, who was known for the ending of War of the Roses, and his sucessor, King Henry VIII, who was known for establishing a Union of England and Wales, and who became head of the Church of England, also left their legacy of association with the famous castle.

The castle continued to be a significant marking point within the stretch of history, as many other prominent figures in history continued to contribute to its historical significance.

William Shakespeare, renowned for his literary works, was commissioned by the family to write "Midsummer Night's Dream" for a Berkeley wedding, the wedding of Sir Thomas Berkeley and Elizabeth Carey, around the year 1596.

Another significant historical figure, who has also been associated with the Berkeley castle was Queen Elizabeth I of England, one of the most well known Monarchs in English and British history. Francis Drake, the famed captain of the sea, who was the first English man to circumnavigate the globe, also visited the Castle to get timbers for his ship building, and in return would bring many gifts back from overseas for the family.

Several hundred years later, Charles I, who was crowned King of England in 1626, and became known for beginning The English Civil War in Nottingham in 1642, also was associated with the Berkeley castle. Another famous battle, the Battle of Agincourt, is also associated with the vibrant history of the Berkeley Castle.

King Charles II granted George Berkeley to become the first Earl of Berkeley in 1679.

The vast estate contains 6,000 acres of graceful meadows and rolling farmland and 18 tenant farms; situated upon the grounds are the Tudor kennels which houses hunting hounds, the Georgian stables and Medieval deer park where over 300 red and fallow deer wonder freely. Beautiful vast gardens surround the Castle, such as the Elizabethan-era Terraced Gardens, and the medieval Inner Keep Garden, as does an exquisite medieval Inner courtyard. A Lily Pond, numerous orchards and a tropical butterfly house in which are hundreds of butterflies, located in a peaceful indoor garden, can also be found upon the magnificent estate. Nearby is located Georgian town houses, village farm buildings, and numerous cottages.

Within the interior of the magnificent castle is a vast array of rooms: King Edward's Cell, the guardroom within the Dungeon; the fascinating Medieval 14th century Jacobean Chapel, and the memorable Great Hall. It was in the Great Hall of this castle where many prominent Kings and Queens have dined.

The prestigious Yale University can attribute its beginnings to the legacy of Bishop George Berkeley of Cloynein the 18th Century.

Historical and treasured antiques such as Queen Elizabeth I's bedspread, Francis Drake's cabin chest, antique paintings, ceramics, silverware, and unique tapestries, can also be seen within in the interior of the castle.

In the present day, many exciting events and activities take place upon the Castle's grounds such as archery, jousting, falconry, theatre, concerts, exhibitions, family fundays and battle re-enactments.

I would like to thank Rachael Groom, events coordinator for Berkeley Castle, for allowing me to write an article about the beautiful and historical Berkeley Castle and for permitting me to display a photo of the glorious castle.

The official Berkeley castle website is

www.berkeley-castle.com