The castle was originally a small earth and timber motte-and-bailey fortification and has retained the footprint of this original structure ever since. The Keep was built around the motte in whilst the ranges around the bailey were added and re-developed in the centuries that followed.
The shell keep was built in around the motte of the original eleventh century castle a similar feature can be seen at Fareham Castle in Surrey. The breach was created by Parliamentary troops in and was never repaired for that was a pre-condition of the castle being returned to the Berkeley family after the war. Berkeley Castle. The Berkeley family did not achieve the same national prominence as contemporary families and this is reflected in the castle. For example note the lacklustre gatehouse seen right which was little more than an archway embedded within the range.
Norman Arch. The Norman arch to the Keep. Edward II. The King was held at the castle between April and September allegedly in the room shown above. Berkeley Castle is found to the south of the town off Canonbury Street. It is major tourist attraction and well sign-posted. There is a dedicated car park on-site. About Us. Contact Us. Terms and Conditions. UK Map. History Berkeley Castle was an existing manor at the time of the Norman invasion and was held by Harold Godwinson.
Bibliography Armitage, E. E The Complete Peerage. What's There? Visit Official Website. Car Park. Before long it passed into the hands of the Berkeley family and was rebuilt by them in the 12th century. Throughout its long history, the castle has witnessed a number of dramatic events. It was the centre of a controversy during a period of civil war in Britain known as The Anarchy , when Roger de Berkeley was dispossessed for failing to ally himself with the House of Plantagenet and their heir Empress Matilda.
It was because of this that the castle passed to Robert Fitzharding in , a wealthy burgess of Bristol and supporter of the Plantagenets who founded a new Berkeley line. His descendants still hold the castle now, making it the oldest castle in Britain to be lived in continually by the same family.
Castle Index Page Castle Development. Test your Knowledge. Please note that the TimeRef website is currently being redesigned. Berkeley Castle. Location In Saxon times the site was the location of a nunnery. Harold Godwinson obtained the land by corrupting the nuns with a carefully laid plan involving a 'young man of great beauty' sent to the nunnery pretending to be ill.
Under his command Roger de Berkeley of Coberley built and a simple motte and bailey castle on the site. It is around this time that the wooden castle was replaced with stone. Robert's son Maurice married Alice de Berkeley ensuring that the ownership of the castle remained in the Berkeley family. Related Information. Related Maps. Map of Castles. Berkeley castle construction. Berkeley Castle changes hands. Edward II is imprisoned.
Tewkesbury Abbey Historic Church. Berkeley Castle Castle. Gloucester Cathedral Cathedral. Dyrham Park Historic House. Upper Slaughter Manor Historic House. Toggle navigation. Best of Britain. The inner courtyard of Berkeley Castle. A cannon guards the castle entrance. Edward II's cell. The castle garden terrace and grounds. Sir Francis Drake's chest. More Photos. The Stable, Berkeley - 1. Rodley Manor Retreat, Bloemuns, Lydney - 4. Royal Lodge - Nibley House - 3.
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