This beautiful and historic castle begun in 1117 still remains the home of the famous family who gave their name to numerous locations all over the world, notably Berkeley Square in London, Berkeley Hundred in Virginia and Berkeley University in California.
Scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327 and besieged by Cromwell's troops in 1645, the castle is steeped in history. The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, tapestries and rare paintings by primarily English and Dutch masters. Part of the famous Berkeley silver is on display in the dining room. Many other rooms are equally interesting, particularly the Great Hall where the barons of the west country met in 1215 before going to Runnymede to force King John to put his seal to Magna Carta.
Twenty four generations of Berkeleys have transformed a Norman fortress into the lovely home it is today, surrounded by terraced Elizabethan gardens and sweeping lawns. |
Address:
off A38 btw Bristol/Gloucester
Berkeley
Gloucestershire
GL13 9BQ
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