1,000 Year Old ROYAL ARCHIVES Finally Revealed | Berkeley Castle

This time on American Viscountess, I visit Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire - a castle steeped in Royal history and intrigue. This castle has been visited by 10 monarchs - including King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in 1535. I’ll be getting a birds eye view of the history of the castle and delving into the archives to see documents which date back nearly 1000 years. I’ll also be meeting Mrs Georgina Berkeley in her private apartments at the Castle - a place she has called home for over 50 years.
To learn more about Berkeley Castle: www.berkeley-c...
Please support the production of American Viscountess and in particular our high production quality of the Historic Houses by becoming a Patron at / americanviscountess
Here you'll received all vlogs and Historic House episodes early and ad-free plus behind-the-scenes videos, American Viscountess merchandise and much more! We can’t make these important Historic House episodes without the support of our patrons.
If you love castles and manors and stately homes get the latest over at my bi-monthly American Viscountess newsletter: julie-montagu-...
Join the UK's best membership scheme and help preserve Britain's independent heritage (international membership available too!) at www.historicho... and use the code AVTV05 to receive £5 off.
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scenes content: / juliemontagu and / americanviscountess
Follow our sister channel to watch it’s really like living in an historic house in the 21st century: / mappertonlive
---------------
American Viscountess Season 3 is produced by Living History Films, www.livinghist... - It is made in association with Historic Houses historichouses... The U.K’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and with Little Dot Studios www.littledots... who deliver premium and ground-breaking digital entertainment to audiences, wherever they are.
The production of American Viscountess is made possible by our Patrons - thank you! Please consider becoming a Patron at / americanviscountess

[@patriciabaughn4749]

Georgina was so charming and her memory is so sharp. It was a privilege to listen to her.

[@chatterjeelinda4]

Did you see the dog snoozing next to her? 🙂

[@luciaroslingshaw2112]

Listening to the elder owners of these historic houses is so precious and important for the next generation. Thank you for these tours!

[@deniereynolds6119]

What a treasure this episode has been. Lady Barkley is such a lady of grace. She is a treasure as well.

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

I know! And what a graceful character with her trousers and sensible shoes. And her big dog dominating the couch and she relegated to the corner of it.

[@4Beaud]

Thank you for this incredible history lesson! Robert “The Devout” Fitzharding was my 24th great grandfather.

[@kathyevans2968]

I thought Mapperton’s documents were treasures, but these are even more so if possible! This was a treasure trove of history, information and stories. The analogy of Reading the stones was poignant yet spectacular in it’s power & history. Mrs Georgina Berkley is a valued part of that history, so what a treat meeting her. Thank you to the family opening up to sharing their time, home and stories and Julie for making it possible.

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

She is still as beautiful as in the painting. And sitting with you and a large dog next with her. 😊

[@jenjem5810]

Wow -Julie. As always Your industrious spirit and appreciation for those who walked before you... Energizes me. Somehow sweeping up the construction lot is a small task!

[@waltercook4868]

WOW, Julie! We rarely ever hear conversations about the stone of those ancient structures. It was fascinating. Thank you so much. Someday, perhaps you could do a video on cutting stone using traditional methods?

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@waltercook4868]

@@AmericanViscountess ☺

[@maryellencook9528]

What an exquisite castle! I wish that you had been able to go into the Chapel as well as the family vault. What little that was visible through the vault was absolutely beautiful.

[@rostallar4243]

The hand writing is just so beautiful.

[@pegschwalbach2500]

What a wonderful, wonderful video. Thank you so much for taking us along to see such amazing historic articles. To actually see the letter of Elizabeth I with your own eyes must have been absolutely incredible! Thank you so very much!

[@ruthmiller8919]

I just love all these houses

[@1CelloOne]

Ohhhh myyy gosh! Those 1000 year old documents, WoW 😮 how fascinating! I LOVE these discoveries, it’s the coolest 😊 love this channel 🙃

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you like them!

[@elizabethmusso5946]

I love how you and Lady Berkeley are dressed similarly. Great episode!

[@ref6122]

That portrait of Lady Berkeley is amazing.That look the artist captured in her face !.I havent seen anything like it

[@Susan.I]

The painting is gorgeous!

[@missmustache4207]

How tickled do you think previous ancestors way back in the day would be by seeing the archivist’s hair color. Like a good start to a good book where timelines merge.

[@claudiamann7111]

What a wonderful tour of a beautiful castle. Always love those fabulous old keys. So glad you got to see the chapel.

[@suegreene1]

Lord Thomas Berkeley 3rd Lord Berkekey was my 16th great grandfather, increible being shown by American Viscountess I couldn't imagine that it was even standing and so nice to find out it's in the family, and such charming so distant relatives.

[@stephaniemattison2783]

Blown away by this episode! It had EVERYTHING -Beautiful Lady Barkley, the special access to the roof, rooms and capping it off with the family vault in the church. BRAVO!!

[@kipscathy1850]

This has been maybe the best episode yet! The history of the letters, the tour of the ramparts, the interview with the lady of the home, her portrait, everything. Excellent job!!!

[@chelseasmith3230]

This season has been awesome Julie! Can't get enough of these historic houses!

[@jampuppy]

Another fascinating tour! I really get overwhelmed by these - such rich history and always with some sad events along the way. Thank you Julie! Really enjoy these!

[@willhan3195]

Hi Julie - How interesting that Mary Emlen Lowell was an American from Boston? I grew up in Chelmsford Massachusetts(Next to Lowell Massachusetts). Originally Chelmsford established in 1655 was the land where the City of Lowell later was established itself in the 1820's. The City was established and named after Francis Cabot Lowell , who brought the industrial revolution to American from England. ALSO.... Isabella Gardner of Boston (who was friends with Alberta) was married to Jack Lowell Gardner. Interesting descendants of Percival Lowell family can be linked to Marie Chantal Crown Princess of Greece through her father Warren Miller. Thank you for presenting interesting information!! Stay well Hinchingbrooke Clan!

[@patriciafoley1494]

That was great Julie!!! Love every episode. Bringing the lesser know homes to the forefront. Here in America as you probably know we are only aware of very few estates in England. The lesser known estates are soooo interesting. Thanks

[@rosemariedeschenes7013]

Absolutely brilliant to have those historic documents. Love the tour and you interview with Ms. Georgia was so interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jassewalton1768]

I love the archivist's knowledge.... eg the marriage contracts copied, & cut in half 😳

[@sandyedens9222]

Thank you. I appreciate these historical educational insights Julie. You do such a wonderful job of providing a warm program that is so enjoyable and informative.

[@AmericanViscountess]

Thank you so much!

[@avalondreaming1433]

What amazing and beautiful handwriting. It's fast becoming a lost art.

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Why wasn't the title of Earl passed on after the 8th Earl died? Btw: Georgina is a lovely lady --- the memories she relayed to Julie were fascinating!

[@HosCreates]

I wondered that too.

[@MariVictorius]

What a privilege to view those documents in person! You must have been beside yourself! 😀

[@user-zl6xh5vf2u]

The history and seeing the documents was very special. Thank you Julie.

[@aliampb6949]

Wonderful as always. Well done xx

[@oCherryPie]

I love the interview with Lady Berkely and seeing and learning from those old documents!

[@sharene411]

Great episode 😊. Thank you Julie.

[@juliaz5499]

Thank you for showing me such a wonderful place❣

[@Susan.I]

Mrs. Barkley is a lovely lady!

[@mariaspeckhard612]

Unbelievable how pristine those documents are!

[@HT-sh1yj]

Very informative and enjoyable video! The family and the people who help them maintain the estate are so dedicated. Also, Karen is so knowledgeable. It looks like she knows Latin, Old English and Middle English. Do they also have an incredible, centuries-old wine cellar?

[@djjamestobin]

Incredible! Another one to add to the "must-drive-past" list for my next UK trip. Thanks, Lady Hinchingbrooke!

[@irisfulkerson6968]

Really, really love the tours of these places

[@charmainejfritz]

so love the historic house series and you tell so many wonderful stories and so much wonderful history - thanks!

[@patti1044]

I am always interested in textiles so really loved the tapestry in the background when you were in the sitting room - would love to learn more about them.

[@sallyl5041]

Julie this whole episode was absolutely riveting!!! Thank You!!!

[@allisoncolwell5604]

Love you getting to talk to the family. It’s amazing.

[@beverlymacdonald]

Amazing video ❤ brilliant

[@castlesandlegends]

Wow fantastic to see these documents. We loved visiting this castle, so much history here!

[@DarrinsDaffs]

Absolutely fascinating!!!

[@hoolydooly5799]

Love your videos and presentation in these videos. THANK YOU 💕

[@patriciararick3245]

Thank you , Julie for a wonderful presentation.

[@susanbelida6981]

❤ Julie this episode was just awesome. I love the history..the documents. Queen ER the first...seeing her writings and letters made her closer to us. Lady Georgina is a lovely soul and sharp as can be.

[@Lenore4Evermore]

Absolutely lovely. Thank you for showing us this history. :)

[@circesgrandmainomaha580]

It was such a joy to watch Lord Barclay in the background in the ninament room listening to the conversation about the seals and discovering the nature of the treasures he is custodian of. Sometimes when you grow up with something you take it for granted, only to rediscover it later on, and I wonder if that's what he was doing. Thanks for the video Julie. :)

[@LouLaRooshka]

This is fascinating! I love your channel! It is informative and transformative. It is so nice to escape todays monotonous and somewhat dark conversations, to breathe into the past to a different time, and feel it’s energy and put our imaginations to use based on historical stories….from documents up to 1000 years old!!! Truly grateful for your channel and what it does for me and my stress levels. Love this!

[@elviracontreras5928]

Absolutely loved this visit! :)

[@jackiesaylor2487]

Why was the 8th Earl the last Earl? Why didn't he pass down the title to a family member, there are obviously more Berkelay's ?

[@tammypearre5033]

That was what I was thinking as well. Why isn't Georginas son the new Earl?? Make it make sense!

[@denisevizzini1089]

Yes! Please tell.

[@matthewriddle1020]

The eighth Earl had no children nor near relations. The current Berkeley family that live their now are very distant cousins, but they are very well regarded as being excellent custodians of the Castle and genuinely committed to the area and it's people. The last Earl of Berkeley who died in the 1940s sold Berkeley Square in London and spent the money on improving the Castle during his life time including installing central heating.

[@matthewriddle1020]

An earldom can only pass usually through the male line, but there are a few earloms that can pass through the female line, but they tend to be Scotish ones eg The Countess of Loudoun. There is still a Baron Berkeley, a distant cousin who sits in the House of Lords as a Labour Life Peer. He would be a distant cousin to the Earl of Berkeley and the Berkeley's of Berkeley Castle. The Barony of Berkeley could pass through the female line.

[@susanryder1437]

@@matthewriddle1020 Charles Berkeley's father inherited the castle from the last earl who was his uncle. They are not distant cousins.

[@Annie6460]

Charming and so interesting Julie. ❤️🇦🇺🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@sanitapretorius6528]

OMW...!!!!! Incredible!

[@longwaytotipperary]

Fascinating!!!!,

[@marshabailey1121]

I love your tours Julie. You ask great questions and know what we'd like to hear about these places.

[@maria5450-x8t]

Wow those 1000 year old. How so STUNNING 👑👏👑😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏😍👏

[@onthebay66]

Great history updates for such an important archive material. I was surprised to see she was handling these documents without white gloves! Thank you for sharing.

[@pamelacrowell2007]

Why was the 8th Earl of Barkley the last one?

[@lindawoody8501]

Interesting from a genealogy point of view as my husband and I both likely descend from the Berkeley Family of this castle. Unproven but that is what my amateur research points to. So very intriguing to see the views of this historic castle that is still in that family's possession. Thank you for presenting a lot of information and views.

[@washguy9577]

These are great stories and fantastic people the history as well is priceless thank you for this video.

[@beverlycarlen6844]

Hello to all, from South Carolina USA

[@Corvus_I_am]

Thanks for this tour, Julie.

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

Brilliant video Julie well done.

[@Jean-sv6kk]

Love this channel.❤ I love history❤ You present so well!!!

[@arlysdavis3694]

Great video. Just unbelievable. Thank you. What a beautiful castle

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@pghbob555]

Hey there Juliel! Did I miss something? Did you explain for us why the 8th Earl was the last earl? I loved the whole video and you are such a pleasure to listen to and watch. Thanks for bringing us such great content. Hugs from your American cousin in Sweden, Bob Knight!

[@matthewriddle1020]

He had no children

[@lemorab1]

@@matthewriddle1020 But he did have a living male relative, Charles Berkeley's father. Why did Charles' dad inherit the castle and lands but not the title? That's what everybody is asking.

[@BookHermit_au]

Fascinating, thank you ❤

[@Familylawgroup]

Upon realizing that 1000 years of rare and priceless documents are located in one room that could be damaged by water or fire. Are archivists like the person you interviewed making efforts to digitize the holdings as part of an insurance plan for the documents? Is the Royal Collection Trust involved with creating uniform archiving and digitizing standards and are they proving the digital cloud storage needed for high Respondent scans of documents? If not, it seems like that should be something the trust should be subsidizing because. Cloud storage of the size needed for these types of materials can be aignificant. For smaller estates, the Trust could have a rotating selection of archivists who can visit a certain number of dats or weeks per tear to help the current guardians with maintaining the archives.

[@sunrise18999]

Love you so very much, and all of videos!!!!❤ you're brilliant!!!

[@klezmersue]

Wow!!!! Thank you for this. :)

[@HosCreates]

Facinating!

[@tomaszpietrzak3908]

What a story!

[@maricogan2903]

I really like the ancient wooden door in the archive room.

[@Dayna-Punky]

This could be 10 hours long and i would watch every minute! Im absolutely fascinated by English History. As an American we just dont have anything like this

[@1stAmbientGrl]

The view from the roof is gorgeous! Such beautiful land! I'm curious as to why they pronounce their surname as "Barclay" rather than how it is spelled, as in Berkley, California.

[@HosCreates]

Maybe it was Anglicanized ?

[@oksanakendle6287]

Amazing. Interesting. Thank you very much Julie.

[@ordiekelleher2641]

Wow cool the letters!

[@donnapecoraro3126]

oh my goodness. she was a pain in the neck, hilarious. but a good injection of money for much needed renovations. just fabulous to meet these people and see parts of these historic estates that are rarely seen.

[@HosCreates]

Who was a A pain in the neck?

[@lberla1]

Miss Georgina said that about the American (mother-in-law?) Molly Lowell. @@HosCreates

[@lemorab1]

@@HosCreates I think Georgina Berkeley means that the last Countess, wife of the 8th Earl, was a pain in the neck.

[@saltminedevelopment]

The quality of the handwriting is just fantastic but of course, they worked on this everyday.

[@christina3521]

Always fantastic productions!

[@AmericanViscountess]

Glad you like them!

[@mysticmimi3924]

Fantastic ❤

[@ruthmiller8919]

Hi all from Springfield MO

[@stuartgooding7295]

The American actress County coxs ...is related to the barcly family ..its was on who do you think you are !!

[@maryking3774]

Watching from,Laurentians, Quebec

[@HappyTX20]

Why was the 8th Earl the last?

[@HosCreates]

Such a huge estate! I cant imagine taking care of it 🥴

[@Susan.I]

The walls are 14 feet?

[@vickiweaver]

I was unable to buy a coffee previously during the archives renovation and now I am unable to do the virtual tour all with the same debit card. I was able to join both Patreon accounts with the same card. Any suggestions?

[@waltercook4868]

Are those copper roofs on Berkeley Castle? I would think the copper would last a long time. Can you put it on Mapperton? It would, of course, be incredibly expensive but last a long long time. Start saving your pennies!

[@missmustache4207]

Almost literally

[@chastidymann4370]

Found You. 🔥

[@Free-flyBE]

I hate change too; keeps people nervous:/

[@Familylawgroup]

Do any of the British agencies such as Historical Trust or Royal Collection, help financially subsidize the restoration and digitalization of these significant historical archives? Imagine if estate manors. like Mapperton and Berkeley, etc, had some digitization standards and financial subsidies or rental/lease of digitization equipment in exchange for agreement to publish the digital collection for the public use and review/study. I am particularly interested in in comparing manual copies of important documents. Before copiers existed, the author, such as King George III, or scribes would manually copy each correspondence and records, etc. I love when they find important discrepancies in copies.

[@nancypeters1875]

WOW

[@kristiesutton6103]

Why was the 8th earl considered the last earl?

[@felixramirez6898]