Berkeley, Gloucestershire

Berkeley
Town
Berkeley Castle
Coordinates: 51.691°N 2.459°W / 51.691; -2.459 Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.
Country	England
Region	South West England
County	Gloucestershire
Population  (2011)	2,034

Berkeley is a small town and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England. It is situated in the Vale of Berkeley between the Severn Estuary and the Cotswold Hills. The town is known for its historical significance and its association with the Berkeley family, who have resided in Berkeley Castle since the 12th century.

History

Berkeley has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The town's name is derived from the Old English "beorc leah," meaning "birch lea" or "birch wood." The Domesday Book of 1086 records Berkeley as a royal manor.

The most notable historical site in Berkeley is Berkeley Castle, a medieval fortress that has been the home of the Berkeley family for over 850 years. The castle is famous for being the site where King Edward II was imprisoned and allegedly murdered in 1327.

Geography

Berkeley is located in the Vale of Berkeley, a low-lying area between the River Severn and the Cotswolds. The town is approximately 18 miles southwest of Gloucester and 16 miles northeast of Bristol.

Economy

Historically, Berkeley's economy was based on agriculture and the wool trade. In the 20th century, the town became known for the Berkeley nuclear power station, which was one of the first commercial nuclear power stations in the United Kingdom. Although the power station ceased operations in 1989, it remains a significant landmark.

Education

Berkeley is home to several educational institutions, including Berkeley Primary School. The town is also within commuting distance of several secondary schools and colleges in the surrounding area.

Notable People

• Edward Jenner, the pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, was born in Berkeley in 1749. His house, now the Dr. Jenner's House, Museum and Garden, is open to the public and celebrates his contributions to medicine.

Landmarks

• Berkeley Castle: A historic castle with a rich history, open to the public for tours.
• Dr. Jenner's House, Museum and Garden: The former home of Edward Jenner, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

Also see

• Gloucestershire
• Edward Jenner
• Berkeley Castle
• Severn Estuary