Talk by Dr Bridget Wells-Furby

Today's Friends' event featured medieval historian Dr Bridget Wells-Furby - here are a few photos from the day:

Poaching Affray Talk & Game Supper

On 18th January 1816 a group of local poachers assaulted gamekeepers on the Berkeley estate, resulting in "death, escape, execution & transportation".   On the 200th anniversary - to the day - Eleanor gave a fascinating and well-researched talk about the event.


We also celebrated the return to the Castle of the painting depicting the events of that night (photo below), following its cleaning & repair which was funded by FoBC.

Last, but not least, we rounded off a great evening with a varied and plentiful 4 course game supper.

St Mary's Berkeley Christmas Tree Festival - Friends' Tree

St Mary's Berkeley hosted a Christmas Tree Festival last weekend (12th/13th).  Various local organisations and charities decorated trees and will share in the proceeds from the event.

Here's a photo of the Friends' tree - bought by our very own Chairman and kindly donated back to the church.

FoBC Tree

The event was a great success with more than 200 visitors over the weekend and in excess of £450 raised for the participating charities and organisations.

Battle of Agincourt Talk

We celebrated the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt by hosting a talk by medieval archery expert Neil Eddiford.

Neil came equipped (armed?) with a vast array of weaponry, as shown in these photos.

Harvest Festival

On Sunday 4 October, the Castle hosted a Harvest Festival.

Here's some of our favourite photos from the day.

Summer Party

FoBC members enjoying our annual Summer Party at Berkeley Castle last Sunday, hosted by Charles Berkeley and attended by other members of the Berkeley family.  Some sixty Friends enjoyed Pimms and canapés on the garden terrace.  Funding for the Friends objectives was assisted by a well supported raffle organised by deputy chair Diana Merrett, pictured with FoBC chairman Paul Walkden.

Countess of Wessex at Berkeley Castle

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, visited the Castle on 10 September.

She was greeted by rapturous applause from the children of Berkeley Primary School, shown round the Castle by Charles Berkeley and then presented to the Friends' Committee, guides and volunteers, and the Berkeley family.

Here are a couple of photos from a very memorable occasion:

Charles Berkeley giving a guided tour

Paul Walkden introduces the Committee to the Countess