Berkeley Castle Castles

Completed in 1153 by Lord Maurice de Berkeley at the command of King Henry II, view our timeline and the history surrounding twenty-five generations of Berkeleys. Berkeley Castle is one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the most outstanding example of Mediaeval domestic architecture in the country.

The Keep, the oldest part of the Castle (completed in 1153), with its trip steps and guard room. It is unusual in that it surrounds the whole of the original Saxon mound, instead of being perched on top of it.

The King's Gallery, with the cell and dungeon where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered. The Long Drawing Room, containing a superb series of wall mirrors and a suite of 18th Century gilt furniture embroidered over ten years by the 4 th Earl's wife, Lady Elizabeth Drax.

The gardens are a beautiful complement to a beautiful and unique building, the terraces climbing nearly 30 feet from lawn to gun terrace and softening the mellow stone face of the Castle with the colour and texture of flowers.