"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air..." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Sunday, 31 October 2010

More castle

We visited Berkeley Castle recently.  The castle is the oldest building to be inhabited by the same family who built it - 850 years.

It has trip steps to trip up attacking enemies, arrow slits, murder holes, enormous barred doors.  Very interesting contents including a Sir Francis Drake's cabin chest, Queen Elizabeth I bedspread,  and many fascinating tapestries.

The castle and it's family have many significant stories and parts played in British history.  And intrigue - apparently the castle is haunted by the ghost of  King Edward II who was murdered in 1327 here.  Also the last court jester in England died here from a fall in the Great Hall.

 


 

5 comments:

  1. What a great day trip for this time of year. Love the history tidbits!

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  2. 850 years old...amazing! What are "murder holes"?

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  3. What a great castle! We really are going to have to make a trip down your way at some point. Stay around for a little longer, ok?!

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  4. An 850-year-old castle - now that is an adventure!

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  5. what a beautiful castle! and such intrigue!! looks like a great day
    lisa

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