Berkeley

The village of Berkeley is in the county of Gloucestershire and home to the magnificent medieval fortress of Berkeley Castle. Work on this historic castle began in 1117 and in its history, it has witnessed the murder of Edward II, the meeting of the Barons of the West before Magna Carta and even Queen Elizabeth I as she hunted and played bowls here. The castle today remains much as it was, a Norman fortress with an enclosing curtain wall, built and enlarged through the mediaeval period and beyond into a home that has been lived in by the same family for nearly a century. Many are familiar with Berkeley as the birthplace and home of Edward Jenner, inventor of inoculation. He worked here as the local doctor and was the first to realise that the milk maids were free from smallpox. In 1796 he experimented with cowpox and discovered that it could prevent infection by smallpox. Jenner's home is now an excellent museum called The Chantry.

Set in the beautiful Berkeley Vale, the small historic village of Berkeley is popular for visitors looking into the rich history and heritage here. With good amenities, visitor attractions, independent shops, a choice of eateries and pubs and an abundance of historic sites as well as beautiful surrounding countryside, there is something for every visitor to Berkeley.

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