Berkeley Castle: The Murder of a King

Berkeley Castle has been continuously inhabited by the Berkeley family for nearly 900 years—one of the longest continuous occupancies of any English castle. But its fame rests on a single, terrible event: the murder of King Edward II in 1327, supposedly in a manner so horrific that his screams of agony could be heard in the town below.

The History

A Norman Fortress

The castle was built by Roger de Berkeley after the Norman Conquest. The keep dates from the 12th century, and the castle has been continuously developed over the centuries.

The Murder of Edward II

In 1327, the deposed King Edward II was imprisoned at Berkeley Castle by his wife Queen Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer. On September 21, 1327, he was murdered.

The traditional account, from contemporary chroniclers, claims he was killed by having a red-hot poker inserted into his body, leaving no visible marks but causing death in agony. Modern historians debate this account, but the legend persists.

What is certain is that Edward died at Berkeley, likely murdered, and that his death was violent.

The Hauntings

The Screaming King

On the anniversary of his death (September 21), Edward II’s screams are said to echo through the castle: The chilling sounds of inhuman agony were reported, heard both inside the castle walls and in the town below. Witnesses described a particularly unsettling phenomenon, claiming that the sounds seemed to originate from the cell where he was held, accompanied by a palpable feeling of his terror and pain.

The King’s Ghost

Edward II himself has been seen: Reports detail the appearance of a crowned figure dressed in medieval attire, often walking the castle’s corridors near his cell, with his face contorted in visible pain. Individuals have described a sense of his being trapped, unable to escape his tragic fate.

The Executioners

The shadowy figures of Edward’s murderers have been reported: Dark forms have been sighted within the murder room, often accompanied by a palpable sense of malevolent intent. Some visitors have claimed to detect the distinct smell of burning, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. Several individuals have reported feeling physically threatened by these unseen presences.

Lady Berkeley’s Ghost

A female figure believed to be a former Lady Berkeley haunts the family quarters: This spectral presence is typically described as a woman dressed in medieval gowns, often exhibiting a gentle, sorrowful demeanor and frequently observed in the great hall. Her appearance contrasts sharply with the violent spirits residing elsewhere in the castle.

The Jester’s Ghost

A court jester or fool has been seen in the castle grounds: Sightings describe a figure wearing motley clothing, observed capering and dancing around the grounds. His presence is notably unsettling rather than amusing, and reports indicate that he vanishes instantly when anyone attempts to laugh.

Modern Activity

The castle remains a private residence but is open to visitors. Paranormal investigations have documented a range of unusual activity within its walls: Significant temperature drops, reaching up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, have been recorded in the murder room. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings have captured what sound like screams, alongside electromagnetic anomalies consistently detected on September 21st. Numerous witness testimonies from staff and visitors further corroborate the paranormal reports.

Visiting

Berkeley Castle is open to visitors during spring and summer. The murder room can be visited, though some find the atmosphere too oppressive to remain long.

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For nearly 700 years, the screams of a murdered king have echoed through Berkeley Castle. Edward II’s terrible end has left an indelible mark on this place—a mark that refuses to fade.

Sources

• Wikipedia search: “Berkeley Castle: The Murder of a King”
• Historic England — Listed Buildings — Register of historic sites