There are some places that hold a special kind of magic, etched into your memory from childhood, even if the details are a bit hazy. For me, Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire is one of those places. I hadn't set foot inside its ancient walls since I was about six or seven years old, so revisiting it recently felt like unlocking a forgotten chapter – and it certainly didn't disappoint!
From the moment you approach the formidable gatehouse, you feel like you're truly stepping back in time. The sheer scale and age of the castle are breathtaking. There is such a long history to this place. It's been privately owned by the same family for nearly 900 years, living there since the late 12th century. The family has held the castle continuously through over 27 generations, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited family homes in England.
We started our tour, making our way through the impressive entrance and into the central courtyard.
From there, it was a journey through centuries of history, exploring the very heart of this incredible fortress.
One of the first stops was the magnificent Great Hall. With its soaring ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows, and long banqueting table, you can almost hear the echoes of feasts and celebrations from centuries past. It’s still very much a living part of the castle, used for various functions today. This feeling of continuity is a hallmark of Berkeley; it’s been continuously occupied by the Berkeley family for over 900 years, a truly astonishing feat!
As we delved deeper, the castle’s darker history came to light. We visited the very room where King Edward II was imprisoned in 1327. The small, rather chilling chamber, with its thick stone walls and tiny window, really brings the grim tale to life. Legend has it that he was brutally murdered here, though the exact details remain shrouded in mystery and speculation. Tradition has it he met his demise thanks to a red hot poker up the bum! It’s a sobering reminder of the power struggles and ruthless politics of medieval England.
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| King Edward's Cell |
Beyond the grandeur and grim history, we also explored the domestic side of castle life, including the fascinating medieval kitchen. It’s vast, with huge fireplaces and all sorts of old cooking implements, giving you a real sense of the bustling activity that would have taken place to feed the castle’s inhabitants.
As if a historical deep dive wasn't enough, we were delighted to discover a fantastic exhibition of dresses and costumes from the 2023 season of Strictly Come Dancing! Seeing those dazzling, sequined outfits up close, sparkling even without the ballroom lights, was such a fun and unexpected addition to our visit. It really shows how the castle blends its ancient roots with more modern attractions.
And speaking of future plans, as we wandered through the beautiful, well-maintained gardens, with their stunning views of the surrounding countryside, a thought sparked between us: could Berkeley Castle be our future wedding venue? With its romantic courtyards, grand halls, and picturesque settings, it certainly got us dreaming!
All in all, revisiting Berkeley Castle was even better than I remembered. It’s a captivating blend of dramatic history, architectural grandeur, and surprising contemporary touches. If you’re ever in Gloucestershire, make sure to put this extraordinary castle on your list – it’s a place where history truly comes alive.
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