NOTIFICATION 

FRIENDS OF BERKELEY CASTLE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

TUESDAY 30th APRIL 2019 - 7.30pm

THE GREAT HALL, BERKELEY CASTLE

See the Spring edition of the Berkeley Buttress.

Spring 2019 edition of The Berkeley Buttress coming soon.

Latest news, reports of past events, stories from the archives and 

details of 2019 Friends events are included.

Membership cards and complimentary tickets for those who paid by

standing order on 14th February are included in the envelopes.

Membership renewal forms and events order forms are also in the mailing.

Talk by Jon Cannon, Keeper of the Fabric, Bristol Cathedral
9 December 2018

Over fifty of the Friends were fascinated to hear about the Augustinian abbey founded by 

Robert Fitzharding who became first Lord Berkeley.  That abbey is the basis of what is now Bristol Cathedral.   

The lands of the Berkeley estate had been granted to Robert Fitzharding by Henry II in 1153 and 

he established the abbey on his land adjacent to Bristol. 

The connection between the Berkeley family and the building continued for centuries.

This was a most informative and engaging talk by an expert on 

the Medieval art, architecture and history of the Cathedral.

The festive spirit at the Castle was enhanced by the mulled wine, mince pies and fruit cake, 

freshly baked by Berkeley WI.

Sunday 18th November
Philip Taubenheim - Antiques Afternoon in the Great Hall

A very interesting and entertaining Friends event.  Philip Taubenheim of Wotton Auction Rooms spoke about his background 

and work as an auctioneer, with stories of various finds, plus developments in the operations 

of auction houses arising from increased use of the internet and a more global reach.

In speaking about some of the interesting objects brought along by Friends, 

Philip provided an insight into what is in fashion and what is now difficult to sell.

More information in February's Berkeley Buttress.

Scrumptious Afternoon Tea in the Long Drawing Room. 
Thank you to Berkeley W.I.

We also had the opportunity to admire the wonderful tapestries which are looking so much better 

as a result of the fundraising activities of the Friends of Berkeley Castle.

Talk by Dr Stuart Prior on the University of Bristol's 

Archaeological Project at Berkeley Castle

The Friends were delighted to welcome back Dr Stuart Prior to update us on

the findings and developments in uncovering the extraordinary history of the area around the Castle.

The project is in its fifteenth year and continues to fascinate.

Dr Prior's specialist areas are Medieval Archaeology, Castle Studies and Archaeological Practice

 and, as ever, his insights were enlightening and entertaining.

A brief report will appear in February 2019's edition of The Berkeley Buttress.

FoBC at Frampton Country Fair

Sunday 9th September 2018

The Fair was a great success again, without the rain that marred last year's event.

Committee members and Friends helped to man the stand and welcomed a steady stream of visitors,

 some of whom had fun with the chain mail helmet, the Tudor headdress 

and even tried their hand at stringing the longbow.  

An early morning view from the FoBC stand.

                                     Events at the Arena were popular, photos below.  Do come along next year, it is a great day out!

Private FoBC visit to Worcester College, Oxford

on Thursday 6th September.

Hosted by former Fellow and Bursar of the College  

Andrew Jardine,

who was previously Agent of the Berkeley & Spetchley Estates.

Andrew Jardine, together with the Head of Gardens & Grounds Simon Bagnall, 

gave a Members-only group of Friends a fascinating insight into the truly impressive history and 

developments of this significant College, its diverse buildings and its attractive and extensive grounds with award winning gardens.

We admired the beautiful Chapel, strikingly redecorated by William Burges, and the Hall, 

more recently restored sympathetically to its James Wyatt heritage, 

before seeing other areas and enjoying refreshments in the modern lecture hall.

A full report will appear in the FoBC Berkeley Buttress in February 2019