The oldest family-owned castle in England holds secrets of a royal murder
In short: Berkeley Castle has remained in the same family since the 12th century, surviving sieges, royal visits, and the dark shadow of King Edward II's 1327 death. Beyond its medieval walls, this Gloucestershire landmark bridges centuries of history, from Norman origins to its modern status as a popular filming location.
Founded around 1067 by William FitzOsbern, the original motte-and-bailey structure was rebuilt in the 12th century after Robert Fitzharding received a royal charter from Henry II. The castle’s history is inextricably linked to the Berkeley family, who have held the property for generations, with the exception of a period under Tudor ownership. Today, it stands as the third-oldest continuously occupied castle in England, following the Tower of London and Windsor Castle, and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously family-owned and occupied fortress in the country.
The castle is perhaps most infamous for the 1327 imprisonment and death of King Edward II. Held in the custody of Thomas de Berkeley and John Maltravers, the king was allegedly murdered on September 21, 1327. While official reports at the time claimed a fatal accident, historical accounts—notably Raphael Holinshed’s 1587 Chronicles—describe a brutal, clandestine execution designed to leave no outward marks. Thomas de Berkeley was later charged as an accessory but was cleared of all accusations in 1337, claiming the act was carried out by agents of Roger Mortimer while he was away.
The site has evolved significantly over the centuries. In 1645, during the First English Civil War, it was captured by Parliamentarian forces, leading to a condition that the family never repair the resulting wall breaches. Later additions include 14th-century structures like Thorpe’s Tower and the Great Hall, where the last English court jester, Dickie Pearce, famously met his end. The castle also houses an antique four-poster bed, recognized as the longest-serving piece of furniture in continuous use by the same family in Great Britain, reflecting the site's enduring legacy.
Modern life at the castle balances preservation with public engagement. Since 1956, it has been open to visitors, and it frequently serves as a backdrop for television and film productions, including The Spanish Princess and The Other Boleyn Girl. In 2017, the site gained further cultural attention when actress Courteney Cox discovered her own ancestral connection to the 3rd Baron Berkeley during a genealogy documentary.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Berkeley Castle
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