The town of Berkeley sits on an outcrop of sandstone in the Vale of Berkeley and overlooking the River Seven. Evidence of Iron-Age and Roman occupation have been found in and around the town; during the Saxon period the town had its own Mint. Chartered by King Edward I in the thirteenth century the town grew to become a busy port exporting all manner of foodstuffs along with limestone, timber, coal and wool to the newly discovered colonies. Berkeley has been the site of christian worship for over 1000 years, once the site of a Saxon Minster (a missionary church) and a nunnery. St.Marys church has some fine examples of 13th century stone work, there is a Perpendicular mortuary chapel with some superb monuments and a detached 18th century tower, the churchyard has a number of notable tombs including that of Dicky Pearce the last Court Jester who died whilst performing at Berkeley Castle! The town is dominated by Berkeley Castle built in 1117 but now mostly fourteenth century having been remodelled in the 1350`s. The castle has been in the hands of the Berkeley family for over 900 years and has seen many historic events, the murder of King Edward II in 1327 perhaps the most infamous. The castle houses many fine collections of ceramics, paintings and silverware acquired by the family over the generations as well as national treasures such as Sir Francis Drake`s cabin chest; the castle`s archive has over 20000 documents dating back to the early 12th century. The town`s most famous son is Edward Jenner (1749-1823), the discoverer of immunology and vaccination as a cure for disease, his former home is now the Jenner which houses not only exhibits of Jenner`s life but into immunology as a whole. He is buried in St.Marys church.
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Places to Stay near Berkeley
Malt House (0.01 miles)
Prince of Wales (2.22 miles)
This 3 Star AA hotel has 40 quality modern bedrooms some with views over the hotel's landscaped gardens. Situated close to the towns of Berkeley, Dursley, Thornbury, Gloucester, Stroud and ... More | visit website
Days Inn Bristol North (Michaelwood) (2.41 miles)
Situated on the M5, our hotel offer easy access to visit the Gloucestershire countryside and the Cotswolds. The hotel offers City Centre hotel facilities at half the price. free parking, AA ... More
The Gables Hotel (3.35 miles)
The Gables Hotel is dedicated to making life easier. We take a different view and the hotel reflects life of the modern traveller. Affordable yet stylish, with comfort and convenience, ... More
DeanGate Motel (3.99 miles)
Set on the gateway of Lydney Town in the Royal Forest of Dean, the DeanGate Motel opened on the 14th of August in 2010. The motel has 12 beautifully appointed ... More
Huntsman House Inn (4.00 miles)
The Huntsman is situated right on junction 14 of the M5 We are four junctions from Cheltenham which means a 25 minute drive to the racecourse, or an ideal place ... More
Millingbrook Lodge (4.31 miles)
Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel (4.45 miles)
Tortworth Court is a beautiful grade 11 listed Mansion, set in 30 acres of landscaped and glorious parkland. All public rooms have been painstakingly and sympathetically restored to their former glory and these restorations are ... More | visit website
Park Hotel (4.73 miles)
This beautiful hotel is situated in 5 acres of lovely grounds in South Gloucestershire - midway between Bristol and Gloucester. The hotel comprises of 18 non-smoking bedrooms, with beverages facilities, trouser ... More
The George Inn (4.90 miles)
Offering a selection of good Home-Cooked Food, Local Ales, and an excellent Wine List, why not enjoy a meal, drink and take a chance to ... More | visit website
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