Berkeley Castle was built as a fortress and has had the same family living in it since Norman times. the family has gradually made it into a comfortable home over the centuries, but it is still a fortress. Situated on the banks of the River Seven it is midway between Gloucester and Bristol. Earl Goodwin, the father of the Saxon King harold, had a dwelling on the siteof the present Castle before the Norman conquest of 1066. This was replaced by a stone castle in about 1088 by Roger De Berkeley and enlarged by his family over the centuries.
Edward the II became King of England in 1307. he was a poor King who did not rule well and was deposed in 1327. he was imprisoned in Berkeley castle where he was murdered in his bed by his jailors Sir John Maltavers and Sir Thomas Gurney. he is now buried in Gloucester Cathedral
In 1619 a group of men from Berkeley sailed to Virginia in a small ship called "Margaret". On arrival they gave thanks to God and held the first "Thanksgiving" service in America. There is still a Berkeley village and plantation where they landed. |
