Despite the overcast weather, twenty-nine members of the Yeo Valley Group of WIs spent a very interesting and enjoyable day visiting Berkeley Castle, the ancient home of the Berkeley family.
When the castle was built in the late 12th century, it was quite small, but has been extended several times over the centuries. As a result there are many rooms of various sizes, several staircases of varying widths and degrees of steepness. The architecture varies according to the building date so is a mix of both ancient and modern styles. The castle contains antique furniture and soft furnishings, their preservation enhanced by being located in rooms with twelve-feet thick stone walls and having narrow windows.
The main attraction was the Great Hall where there was a display of some of the costumes worn by dancers from the 2023 run of the BBC TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Talk about sparkle….
We learnt that Berkeley Castle is licensed for weddings – what a fabulous venue. It is often used as a filming location in film sets, such as Poldark.
After the lunch in the new restaurant, we were left to our own devices and could visit the church, Dr Jenner’s house, walk round the gardens, return to the castle or go into the village.
We returned home tired, happy and pleased to have seen such a fascinating place.
Thanks to Margaret and Marion for the pictures and words above.