Pictures of Berkeley Castle

a Castle in the town of Berkeley, in the county of Gloucestershire

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About Berkeley Castle

This wonderful historic castle standing a short distance inland from the River Severn estuary has long been associated with the secrets surrounding the murder of King Edward II in 1327. The King was murdered on the orders of his wife, Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer. A strange phenomenon of this event that has continued to puzzle, is that within a few short years of the murder the castle was completely gutted and rebuilt inside its old walls, giving rise to speculation as to what dark mysterious secrets the old castle held!

Berkeley Castle is owned by the illustrious family of the same name. It was originally built by William FitzOsbern, a staunch supporter of William the Conqueror and was passed the Berkeley's in 1153. It is steeped in history and was besieged by Cromwell's troops in 1645. Since this time, the castle would appear to have led a fairly peaceful existence.

Today, it is an interesting place to visit and to see the changes brought about by 24 generations of Berkeley's, who dominate Berkeley Square in London and have given their name to several other places renowned around the world.

The Great Hall is the most eye-catching of all the castle's rooms, this is from the rebuilding of 1340-1350 and is raised on the foundations of the old hall. The old Great Hall was the place the Baron's set out from for Runnymede and the signing of the Magna Carter by King John in 1215.

The sumptuous state apartments contain rich displays of tapestries, furniture and paintings including both English and Dutch old masters. There is rare silver and porcelain and in the state bed chambers you can take a look at bedcovers used by Queen Elizabeth I.

Berkeley is a naturally delightful place where visitors can revel in the lurid stories of the past as they explore the dungeons, or on occasions watch a jousting tournament within the castle grounds.

Recently, this magnificent place was the setting for a "Stately Supper" cooked by celebrity chef James Martin, whilst his co-star, Alistair Appleton enjoyed a personal tour of parts of the castle, its glorious contents and grounds.

Berkeley Castle provides the perfect setting for wedding receptions, and special dinners. It is available for corporate functions, it also forms an historic backdrop for the Sealed Knot who give a thrilling performance depicting scenes of when Cromwell's troops stormed the castle at the time of the Civil War. This is held between the 29th April and Ist of May, it is a rowdy, hilarious event which everyone can enjoy.

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Recommended towns & villages near Berkeley Castle

	Berkeley (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) The town is mostly Georgian, with the most dominant feature being its centuries old castle, surrounded by buttressed walls which are 14 ft-thick in parts... Information | Pictures (17) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Slimbridge (4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction NE) A visit to Slimbridge in the county of Gloucestershire not only offers the opportunity to explore a wealth of wildlife habitation, but the chance to savour some of the loveliest scenery in the Shire... Information | Pictures (20) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
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	Bisley (14.4 miles, 23.2 km, direction E) The village of Bisley is all charm. It has an excellent collection of very fine buildings as well as some interesting local folklore... Information | Pictures (32) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Berkeley Castle

	Slimbridge Wetland Centre (4.8 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE) .. Information | Pictures (31) | Hotels
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Hotels near Berkeley Castle

Hotels near Berkeley Castle  Cottages near Berkeley Castle  Bed & Breakfast near Berkeley Castle

	Malt House Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England (0.5 miles, 0.8 km) This family-run hotel and restaurant in the heart of the Cotswold Hills is close to Berkeley Castle, the Jenner Museum, the Wet Lands Trust and Slimbridge Severn Way.... More info and book online..  Price from £64.00
	Days Inn Michaelwood M5 Falfield, Gloucestershire, England (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction SE) Situated on the M5, just 20 minutes north of Bristol, Days Inn Michaelwood offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and free parking. With a 24-hour front desk, it has easy access to the Gloucestershire country... More info and book online..  Price from £30.00
	Vale of Berkeley Guest House Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England (2.2 miles, 3.6 km, direction NE) Nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, the Vale of Berkeley is a charming guesthouse less than 2 miles from the villages of Woodfield and Cam.... More info and book online..  Price from £35.00
	Best Western Gables Hotel Falfield, Gloucestershire, England (2.8 miles, 4.6 km, direction S) Set in a rural location, just off junction 14 of the M5, the hotel is perfect for visiting Bristol and exploring the Cotswold countryside.... More info and book online..  Price from £55.00
	Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel Tortworth, Gloucestershire, England (3.9 miles, 6.2 km, direction S) This historic Gothic mansion sits in tranquil parkland on the Cotswold Edge, beside the Severn Valley and close to Bristol. It offers fine dining, a leisure club, and spacious, traditional rooms.... More info and book online..  Price from £79.00