Date/Time
Date(s) - 14th Sep 2022
09:00-17:00
Location
Berkeley Castle
Categories
We are sorry but this trip has been cancelled
Berkeley Castle, which dominates the Vale of Berkeley, is steeped in over 860 years of British history. It is best known as the scene of the brutal murder of Edward II in 1327 and for being besieged by Parliamentary troops in 1645.
Our visit will include a private guided tour (before the castle opens to the public) and access to the eight acres of beautiful gardens and grounds. The state apartments contain magnificent collections of furniture, rare paintings and English and continental tapestries. Some of the world-famous Berkeley silver is on display in the Dining Room and many other rooms, including the Great Hall, the Morning Room (the former mediaeval chapel, with its unique painted ceiling) and the kitchens, are available to view. Other treasures include Francis Drake’s cabin chest, Queen Elizabeth I’s bedspread, and the banner that the 4th Earl of Berkeley took with him to the Battle of Culloden. Over twenty-four generations of Berkeley’s have gradually transformed a Norman fortress into the family home it is today.
Refreshments are available in the Walled Garden Café.
In the afternoon, with your timed ticket and easy access from the castle garden, we will visit Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden. From Gloucestershire in the 1790s to Somalia in the 1970s, Dr Jenner’s House, Museum and Garden traces the impact of one of the pivotal events in world history in the place where it happened. This is where Edward Jenner, the pioneer of vaccination against smallpox, lived and worked. Jenner is also remembered for his wideranging interests, from poetry and music to ballooning and fossil hunting. Today you can see Jenner’s Study, explore his garden, including the historic vinery and the modern physic garden, and stand in the Temple of Vaccinia, where Jenner vaccinated the people of Berkeley free of charge.
We will arrive back in Cheltenham at about 5 p.m.
Cost per person: £38
Pick up points: Six Ways (by the Co-op) 9 a.m.; Evesham Road Pittville Pump Room bus stop (townbound) 9.10 a.m.;
Royal Well Coach Station 9.20 a.m.; Westall Green (Lansdown Road) bus stop 9.30 a.m.
Group Leaders: Sue Pearce and Martha Alleguen
If you have any questions please phone Martha on 01242 526601.
Terms and conditions for our trips and talks can be found here. Non-members welcome.
Please book using one of the following options:
- On-line bookings with a debit or credit card can be made using the form below. Alternatively you may reserve your place, select the ‘off-line’ payment option and pay by bank transfer or cheque.
- Bank transfer – please email events@friendsofthewilson.org.uk and wait for confirmation that places are available before arranging your bank transfer.
- Cheque – please complete a booking form (download here or available in the Friends’ newsletter) and post it with your cheque.
Places are not confirmed until payment is received.
Bank transfers should be made to Friends of The Wilson (or as much of that as the bank will accept) Sort Code 30-91-87 Account 00005816. The reference must include your surname plus as much of the event title as will fit, for example SMITH Berkeley.
Please make cheques payable to Friends of The Wilson and send with a SAE or clearly written email address to Martha Alleguin,7 Sydenham Road South, Cheltenham GL52 6EF.
Bookings
Bookings are now closed for this event.