Berkeley Castle, Medieval castle and history museum in Berkeley, England.
Berkeley Castle is a medieval fortress and history museum in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, perched on a hill above the surrounding countryside. The structure consists of multiple defensive towers, thick stone walls, and a central circular keep, its shape and materials reflecting Norman construction methods.
William FitzOsbern built the fortress in 1067 on behalf of William the Conqueror to control the region after the Norman invasion. King Edward II was held prisoner here in 1327 and died under mysterious circumstances inside a cell within the walls.
The name Berkeley comes from the Old English Beorclea, meaning birch wood clearing, and this connection to the land remains visible in the estate's gardens today. The rooms are arranged as if the family still lives here, with furniture and personal items that guide visitors through centuries of private life.
The site is open to visitors from April through October, with guided tours providing access to living quarters and defensive structures. Summer months bring additional events and demonstrations that show medieval life.
The same family has occupied the site continuously since 1153, making it the oldest continuously inhabited noble residence in England. The 14th-century kitchen still functions and is occasionally used for historical cooking demonstrations.
Location: Berkeley
Inception: 1067
Elevation above the sea: 23 m
Address: Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BQ
Website: https://berkeley-castle.com
GPS coordinates: 51.68861,-2.45694
Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:44
Church of St Mary the Virgin
67 mHooper Monument,About 7M South-South-West Of South Door In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
67 mGroup Of 5 Monuments,About 7M From South Side Of West End In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
85 mUnidentified Monument,About 2M North Of Thorpe Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
83 mRalph Pearce And 2 Unidentified Monuments,About 5M South-West Of South-West Corner Of Nave In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
77 mJohn King And 2 Unidentified Monuments,About 0.5M East Of William Pearce Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
69 mThomas Pearce Monument,About 5M North-East Of North Porch Door In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
89 mGroup Of 4 Monuments,About 6.5M North-East Of Clutterbuck Monuments In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
93 mUnidentified Monument,About 1M East Of Jones Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
91 m
Gatehouse To West At Berkeley Castle
65 mUnidentified Monument, About 4 Metres South Of Andrews Monuments In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
74 mPair Of Mayo Monuments,About 2 Metres East Of John Cornock (Died 1794) Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
81 mPair Of Andrews Monuments, About 1.5 Metres South East Of Mayo Monuments In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
81 mJohn Pearce Monument, About 3.5 Metres South Of Mayo Monuments In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
77 mUnidentified Monument,Immediately North-West Of Thomas Pearce Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
93 mElizabeth Perarce Monument,About 8 Metres North North East Of North East Nave Buttress In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
82 mUnidentified Monument, About 4 Metres North East Of North East Nave Buttress In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
78 mBurley And Two Unidentified Monuments, About 5 Metres East Of North East Nave Buttress In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
71 mFive Cornock Monuments, About 4 Metres North Of Burley Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
81 mPair Of Clutterbuck Monuments,About 3M East Of North East Pier Of Porch In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
86 mThorpe Monument,Immediately Adjacent To Bay 1 Of Nave From East On North Side In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
78 mJones Monument,About 4M North Of Thorpe Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
92 mUnidentified Monument,About 5M North East Of Clutterbuck Monument In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
94 mUnidentified Monument About 3 Metres From Bay 2 Of Nave From East On South Side In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
60 mWilliam Pearce Monument,About 3M South Of South-West Corner Of Nave In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
72 mUnidentified Monument,About 7M South-East Of South Door In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
60 mUnidentified Monument,About 4M From Bay 2 From East On North Side In Churchyard Of Church Of St Mary The Virgin
85 mScenic viewpoint
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