The KING OF ENGLAND Was Brutally MURDERED In This CASTLE | Berkeley Castle

Season 3 of American Viscountess continues with my visit to the magnificent Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. It’s everything you want a medieval castle to be - it’s a fortress, with the keep, the oldest surviving part of the castle - at its heart. Berkeley Castle has been home to the same family for nearly 900 years - and within its walls, a King of England was imprisoned and murdered in 1327.
To learn more about Berkeley Castle: www.berkeley-castle.com
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American Viscountess Season 3 is produced by Living History Films, www.livinghistoryuk.com - It is made in association with Historic Houses historichouses.org The U.K’s largest collection of independently owned historic houses and gardens and with Little Dot Studios www.littledotstudios.com 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

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

I love your episodes, I really do. But can I offer one suggestion? For us who are not British, nor ever been to your country, could you put a map pinpointing where each of the manors/castles Julie visits? It'd be a great way to also inform a bit about geography for those who may not know it as well as a Brit would be.

[@sail3303]

Great idea!

[@bazmontgomery3766]

Look up them up on google earth

[@Otterly_Awkward]

Love this!

[@kathrynwitte3398]

@@bazmontgomery3766I’m perfectly willing to do this but odds are I’ll wander away and won’t come back to this video. I’m pretty sure Julie won’t like that.

[@amandastubbs910]

Beautiful

[@arlenejenkins1127]

I am an American who descended from the Berkeley family through a marriage of a Berkeley daughter in the 15th century. I have visited the Castle and found it fascinating. My ancestors are buried nearby in Dursley. Thank you for highlighting Berkeley Castle!

[@cestmoi7368]

From the look of Charles’ mannerisms the castle might be up for grabs by another Barkley soon…. It doesn’t appear he will have heirs

[@swgl2245]

​@@cestmoi7368I believe he is already married and has kids

[@kerryendon7514]

I am an Australian and I too, descend from a daughter of a Berkeley in the 15th century! Who is your ancestor? Hope you don't mind me asking! Very curious!😊

[@trevorn9381]

@@cestmoi7368 He is not gay he is European. 🤣

[@AvaT42]

Love Julie’s dress! That great hall is breathtaking!!😍. An impressive lady to fight three times for her children and the older sons title! Must have been a bit daunting. I am glad the son loved his older brother and it turned out fairly good ending. This man was a good guide for his family’s home.

[@chatterjeelinda4]

No butler any more :-)

[@kbal1451]

So interesting, I'm Australian but descended from a couple of Edward I daughters. His youngest Daughter Elizabeth (my ancestor) was close to her brother Edward II but died giving birth to her 11th child (over 10 years before Edward II was killed). Fascinating history.

[@LianeFehrle-bv7ql]

I just love it that we get to see places that the public can't see. Thank you so much. By by❤

[@janmarchand7294]

This was wonderful Julie! Such history, and it's obvious that this new generation of owners embrace it and generously share it with the public. Being an American, a very not 'old' country, I've always been mesmerized by England and it's very long history and how it helped shape the world we know today. I was fortunate enough to visit there twice and couldn't get enough of it! Always wanted to go back, stay longer and really explore, but never got the chance. I'm satisfying that longing through watching your explorations, and enjoying myself immensely. Thank you Julie for all you do!

[@pgooddmd]

You said what I would have loved to say, and you said it more eloquently than my poor brain could come up with. You expressed my feelings about England, the history, shaping my country, America. I haven't been able to visit yet, but when I do, I want to do what you said, I wasn't too stay a while and explore.

[@janmarchand7294]

@@pgooddmd It literally takes your breath away! Here's hoping you a wonderful and safe trip when you do go.❤

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

I remember reading the account of a US Soldier who was over here not so long ago. He recounted that before leaving the United States and coming here to England ( it applies to Europe in general ) he`d never seen a building more than about 200 years old. I was absolutely staggered by that. It`s not easy to get that into the head of a Briton. I didn`t count the number of churches I`ve seen today that are 800 - 900 years old. Buildings / houses with the cornerstones having the date built : 1670. I grew up in North Lincolnshire in a small town where the newer of the 2 churches is St. Mary`s, built between the 1300`s and 1400`s. St Peters - a stones throw away - is about 1000 years old. Whilst you come over here in search of the old we love to go over there in search of the new. That`s the way I see it.

[@janmarchand7294]

@@dogwithwigwamz.7320 That's so funny, isn't it? It's so much fun to discover new places and I enjoyed visiting England and was in awe of the history that it has. It's such a beautiful country and so important itself in the history of the world. Like I said, I hope to visit again in the future to explore more of your great country.❤

[@elfIbeatz]

Good news! It has now come to light that America is equally as ancient as everywhere else. There are Megalithic structures and evidence of human habitation going back exactly the same amount of time as every other settled place on Earth!

[@Holidaygal]

Actually a bit older. History The first castle at Berkeley was a motte-and-bailey, built around 1067 by William FitzOsbern. This was subsequently held by three generations of the first Berkeley family, all called Roger de Berkeley, and rebuilt by them in the first half of the 12th century. The last Roger de Berkeley was dispossessed in 1152 for withholding his allegiance from the House of Plantagenet during the conflict of The Anarchy, and the feudal barony of Berkeley was then granted to Robert Fitzharding, a wealthy burgess of Bristol and supporter of the Plantagenets. He was the founder of the Berkeley family which still holds the castle.

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you. That's fascinating.

[@heatherdeavalon]

Amazing! BTW we have a Charles Barkley in the States, too. Too funny 😅 Basketball player

[@Holidaygal]

Charles Barkley not Berkeley with Gayle King on CNN this fall show to be called King Charles 🤣🤣🤣

[@cherylcraven2884]

Fantastic episode!! It’s hard to imagine the same family being there for over 900 years!! And the room where the King as held and murdered…..that it still exists is amazing. Love all your episodes! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@angiemynia8004]

We are trying to hold on to our farm that has been in the family for a mere 70 years. Good on you for keeping the castle for nearly 1000 years. Simply amazing. Thanks for the share.

[@cynthiastewart4500]

I loved this episode. Thank you for introducing me to Berkeley Castle.

[@pgooddmd]

I do believe this has been my favorite episode so far. I do love these homes, and you have such an eye for detail. Brilliant episode. 👏

[@terrimoore5181]

Amazing story! Such wonderful history and I'm so happy the family still lives in it.

[@MichelleJonesKralka]

This was such a great episode - filled with spilling the tea and goss! The family must have so many more stories considering they've been in the same home for nearly 1000 years! Such a beautiful property and it shows that the family really does care for it tremendously.

[@patriciafoley1494]

That was great Julie!!!! Every episode is great anyway. Don’t stop doing what your doing. The way you present the buildings and history is fantastic

[@AmericanViscountess]

thank you so much!

[@longwaytotipperary]

Agree!

[@donnabaardsen5372]

This was absolutely fascinating! My heart is always drawn to all things British, especially it's history. This castle is beyond intriguing. Thanks, Julie, and well done.

[@davegreenwood1663]

What a fantastic castle .The history is epic.

[@thedesken]

Julie, thank you so much for sharing. I plan a trip to Great Britain in 2024. I will be purchasing a membership w/ Historic Houses. Thx for letting us know about this organization.

[@SuzanneBaruch]

An interesting detail regarding the death of King Edward II: the American actress Courtney Cox is a direct descendant of the Berkeley family and, on an episode of the tv show "Who Do You Think You Are?" was told that one of her ancestors was found guilty of the murder. He was drawn then hung. The story is absolutely fascinating, and that portion of the show devoted to Edward II's murder is titled, "Courtney Cox Ancestor Hung Over King Edward II Death" (it's here on KZbin). It also goes into greater detail about why Thomas de Berkeley (who is her 18x great grandfather) wasn't at the castle when the King died. He was actually tried for the murder and found innocent.

[@kristintorres212]

I found out I was related to Courtney Cox by watching “Who do you think you are”. Starting with the Lygons of Virginia. Regrettably, finding out that I am also related to Roger Mortimer, (20th great grand parent) the man that killed the king. His daughter Margaret married by 19th great Grandfather Lord Thomas DeBerkeley. I would love to visit this castle someday. 🏰

[@billythedog-309]

Given that anybody 20 generations back had over a million direct ancestors that's not a claim that carries much weight.

[@bewareofpigeons]

@@billythedog-309 true, but not all readily identifiable.

[@billythedog-309]

@@bewareofpigeons The problem is that some people seem to think a 0.0001% connection to a historical person makes them something special.

[@SuzanneBaruch]

@@billythedog-309 think about it a bit more. You're quite wrong.

[@connieh2999]

This was so wonderful!! The rich history that was featured! I cannot wait for the next episode!!!

[@Grandmotherof3]

What an amazing building! A castle and a home! Filled with so much history! Thank you for sharing. ❤ from Louisiana, USA!

[@jessserrano3051]

This is incredible!

[@christina3521]

Just fantastic!

[@leahmarieezra877]

This was so captivating! Julie does a great job of bringing all of the threads (the family history, the history of Great Britain, the architecture, and the nature that is part of the grounds) together. I always get a more complete picture of a place when she shares a video.

[@brianknight7897]

Julie, when you visit other English manors and castles do you pick up hints and ideas to improve your presentation of Mapperton to the visiting public?

[@AmericanViscountess]

Yes definitely!

[@ceralee2151]

Thank you for all you do! I grew up not far from you, I was born in Rockford...I live in Texas, a state you know that adores our own unique pride and history, but I love what you do. I love how you represent American women, I love your kind spirit, how you show that American women CAN represent our nation with grace and class AND represent the British history of your children and husband as well with pride. My heritage is that from Wales and Scotland and I just love watching your shows, I feel a kindred connection to you. Thank you.

[@mochabella59]

Thank you Julie!! 🥰🥰

[@jonimarchese7655]

Hi Julie, another great video, how fascinating, I could have sat and listened for hours, I am so happy you have more to come from this amazing castle and family. I feel that one disadvantage of being an American, if you don't seek out European history on your own, you never learn about it. Thank you so much for taking us along on your adventures. Love from N.Y.

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

I went to NYC in 1992. You come over here to be fascinated and we go over there for the same reason. To see things we have never seen before.

[@jrussell7337]

This is amazing! I live here in America and my family and I did some family history and we found out that we are directly related to King Edward the first and his son King Edward the 2nd. Thanks for doing stuff like this. 😊

[@anitamattner6906]

Great video and history, I'm learning so much, thank you!

[@heathermartinez8640]

Thank you for sharing this tour and amazing history! I was in awe looking at everything in each room. Had to press pause multiple times!

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

Julie this is absolutely brilliant. Well done for this kind of content. 10 out of 10.

[@ler1354]

Wow! 900+ years of family history is so amazing! It must bring goosebumps to walk around and imagine years gone by! Ugh I love history so much!

[@Ohmygoshandy]

Anybody else notice the orb floating by at 5:23? cool

[@TheHitmann069]

This channel came up on my feed randomly. Love the video. Also noticed the strange orb. Have watched it several times because I thought it was something on the lens. 🧐

[@lyndarichardson4744]

Thanks Julie, your videos of other historic houses are some of the most interesting of all the videos you put on KZbin. Fascinating!

[@nuthinmuffins5073]

I’m simultaneously feeling so much love, wonder and envy! It’s one of my ultimate life goals to live in (and help preserve) an English castle (well, at least in the U.K., but Ideally not too far from London). I struggle to express the intensity of my fascination with and passion for history, and particularly British history. I can’t get enough of these kinds of videos. 💜

[@heatherboardman7004]

You need help

[@lynnhurst7365]

What a beautiful Castle ❤. Love the history of it as well. Great video. Thanks for sharing this

[@nadenegordon7639]

Loved this, and it's lovely to see a castle passed down and still owned by family. I think what I loved the most was no matter what our surroundings we really do all grow up very similar. I was born in Australia, my ancestors were German and English, and to this day my furnishings are very German and English 😀 looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@springg1402]

Thank You Julie!!! I LOVE when you do these Tours of the Beautiful Castles and Estates. Sending lots Of love from North Carolina.

[@janetdoten4489]

Wow! Double Wow! 900 years! Love this video of history.

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

I just can't imagine living in a castle like this. It's wonderful!

[@mysticmimi3924]

Julie, so incredibly overwhelming to think of 900 years away of a family history. The couches in the drawing room really captured my eye. AND THE king story well my goodness! Tank you once again.

[@sharronandrews7675]

Another wonderful visit to an amazing place! Thanks Julie. Looking forward to the other installments of this series!

[@kathrynmcintosh2726]

Good morning from Perth Western Australia 🇦🇺. Wonderful video thankyou.

[@nanabutner]

Thank you for a wonderful episode. I love seeing all those old homes that are loved and taken such care of.

[@klezmersue]

What an incredible video once again! Thank you again for doing these. So many curious happenings and things to delve into historically!

[@reinapearse9111]

Fantastic. Thanks so much for this content. So interesting.

[@irisfulkerson6968]

Love visiting these historic places virtual with you.

[@claudiamann7111]

Thanks for another amazing historic house tour. Wow!! There is some history in that house and we are so lucky that it's been preserved so well.

[@nataliechim5227]

Absolutely loved this episode. The castle and its history is so fascinating. Cannot wait to see more.

[@g.g.6785]

Wonderful! Beautiful grounds and rooms, interesting history, and a knowledgeable and genial host. Thank you Julie! Looking forward to the rest of the videos!

[@longwaytotipperary]

Absolutely fascinating! Looking forward to more episodes about Barkley Castle!

[@poyntz55]

thank you so much for your videos, you present in such a wonderful way, please don’t stop making them

[@krisboyst6362]

Wow....amazing history. Loved this episode can't wait hear more about this castle in your upcoming videos.

[@genevievemurray7743]

What an extra interesting episode. Many thanks Julie.

[@tanyapowell8577]

Please please continue doing reviews(video included) of historical castles in England. So much history, so fascinating!

[@susanbelida6981]

Thank you so much Julie for this episode!! Well done and mesmerizing indeed. Charles is a most gracious host.

[@alvick353]

One of your best episodes. A little grim but real. Thank you for the history lesson.

[@jamiesturch9443]

This home is truly Such an incredible piece of history! Love these interviews with the owner and his view as well. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[@barbarastraley6168]

This was fascinating Julie. Thank you!

[@bewareofpigeons]

Fascinating stuff: I visited so many years ago as a small boy, and remember the paintings and tapestries above all. Thank you very much.

[@jefflawrentz1624]

I really enjoyed this episode as I have read about this incredible landmark for awhile. I do hope you’re able to show us that magnificent 4 poster bed from 1601. 🙏🙏🙏😃😃😃. Thanks again for another fun episode.

[@steveeccles1341]

Thank you for such a great episode. I was born and brought up in Berkeley so it was lovely to find this video. As children we would often play in the castle grounds and surrounding meadows. Although I now live in West Sussex I still consider myself to be a (very proud) “Berkeley Boy”. Looking forward to then next episode.

[@palomahealing5073]

It's beautiful how he grew up in this huge Castle. I'm in Awwwe😮🥰🥰🥰

[@oCherryPie]

I loved seeing the video of your visit with the extra information that wasn't available to me on my visits to this fabulous castle. The church is amazing too. On our first visit we also enjoyed the separate HH property next door, Dr Jenner's House. I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos about Berkeley Castle.

[@benfletcher9659]

Was here about a month ago, first castle I took my wife to when she moved here 20 years ago. We lived about 20 miles away. Fascinating castle. Lucky to be able to know who your family were, I can't get past 1790.

[@brontewcat]

Imagine how cold the tower room where Edward II was imprisoned was. Both the owner and Julie wearing outdoor coats, and Julie was in a beanie.

[@Magnev]

Beautiful visits ! I love History, it is so fascinating ! Thank you so much and also to these castles owners to permit us viewers to visit their home ! (a freindly hello from a lettle town in Québec ,Canada )

[@anne-marie2972]

Love this 😍.I am a history lover from Finland and just found yours channel 💕. One day I want to visit in Berkeley castle.

[@mariaangelesmarinramirez5376]

The Berkeley Catle is beautiful with the painting and the nice architeture and a lot of history.

[@janetdoten4489]

This actually seeing the Castle, so glad Harry came there to learn about more history etc. I would not want to leave, sleeping bag in the archives room. Thanks for sharing

[@joelled1829]

Wow, what a fantastic piece of living history! Love your videos. ❤

[@palomahealing5073]

I loved this video! A big fan of your Channel. You're looking wonderful & stunning as always. Loving that golden tone in your hair. It's beautiful.🙂

[@marytanne4964]

Julie you look like a princess in that beautiful flower dress! Love this episode and look forward to watching the upcoming ones. This place is unbelievable!

[@splash3613]

I really enjoyed this episode, are you going back for more? I just love when we get to see other castles in the area! 😊

[@incredingo]

such an amazing place and history. thank you

[@michaelfrost4584]

Thank you soo much from Australia 🇦🇺. Very informative and such great history.

[@stargazerlse]

such high production value, great job!!!

[@sandymoore3351]

There was an orb floating at 5.21. Seems like some of the former inhabitants still have a presence there. Great video. Love these!!

[@jocquemorrison9785]

Brilliant video and very informative. Also really liked your flowered dress. Stunning on you ❤.

[@norwichhouse]

Thank you for another great video. I grew up in Mexborough, a town in South Yorkshire where there are many buildings called Montagu and I have often wondered where the connection originated.

[@jackwilliams9114]

Julie, thank you so very much. I LOVED how at 25:37 in the video a ghostly charter walked behind the window that looked into the jail from inside the castle. Then a shot from that room into the jail, as if the ghost was looking into the room. Was that planned or not??? If planned your videographer and/or you are a genius..

[@connieclutter1158]

Great video i love seeing these old castles

[@kevinhouse7143]

Just sub'd. We were fortunate one day while staying in the area a few years back on a whim to pop in at this castle and boy were we glad we did. It's the real deal, the history, the family, the setting, the stories, the artifacts (Sir Francis Drakes wooden chest and an original George Stubbs painting) among many others. If you are anywhere near this place do yourselves a favour and stop in. The adjacent village of Berkeley and church is also worth checking out. Plus the nearby Jenner museum. Lots to see and do at this location.

[@jamessheppard8287]

That was a great video. What a beautiful and amazing castle

[@cgannis2251]

Another delicious log. So interesting and full of history

[@kevinjewell233]

Absolutely one of my favorite videos on youtube EVER!!!

[@cgannis2251]

This is so very interesting. Thank you!

[@juliehutchison1269]

This was fascinating. What an amazing site. I wish I could visit.

[@vicky4112]

Imagine having a place like that to call your own! I wonder if it suffers from as many roof leaks as Mapperton.

[@leechumbley5440]

I have ancestors who were Lords Ordainer (who did in Piers Gaveston, Edward II and also the Despensers, who are - wait for it - also my ancestors! You can read all about it in Christopher Marlowe. Charles Barkley is an excellent host. It was so interesting to go through the castle with you. Edward II elevated his favourites over the established barons. At his wedding to Isabelle of France he gave her dowry to Gaveston, which well and truly blotted his copybook with her brother, the future king of France. She got her revenge in the end. Their son, Edward III, was one of England’s greatest kings. Most informative video. How interesting to see the cell where the regicide occurred. Thank you, and of course, Charles Barkley.

[@Vi-gj3me]

Just amazing !!! Thank you !

[@EagleRue]

OMG the tapestry in the background in the first section!! I want close ups!!

[@kathyevans2968]

Purely amazing history and architectural beauty!

[@NellyandGigi]

Fantastic episode. Loved it. Also, Granny spilling the tea about the American, too funny! Edit. I just WhatsApp my cousin whom is our family ancestry expert. She said we are related to the Berkeley family. The 4th Earl, Maurice Berkeley was our 26th great, great grandfather on my father's side (Matthews, Bunyan Bentley line) Wow!

[@russellnolan9212]

Wonderful place of generations, built up as it comes really, interesting. I had actually heard of that undesireable way of a King's departure too. Well, that's history for you.

[@nativetexson]

Intrigue. Mystery. Murder. Family. This castle has it all. Fascinating!

[@MrBrownnn696]

I love that you do these kind of Videos

[@belladt2442]

900 years. Wow. Our family home in Italy is on its 150th year. 750 to go…. lol. This was wonderful.

[@lakeeriehouse]

Outstanding, on all !