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:

• Inhuman sounds of agony
• Heard both inside the castle and in the town
• The sounds seem to come from the cell where he was held
• Witnesses report feeling his terror and pain

The King’s Ghost

Edward II himself has been seen:

• A crowned figure in medieval dress
• Walking the corridors near his cell
• His face contorted in pain
• He appears trapped, unable to escape

The Executioners

The shadowy figures of Edward’s murderers have been reported:

• Dark forms in the murder room
• A sense of malevolent intent
• The smell of burning
• Visitors have felt physically threatened

Lady Berkeley’s Ghost

A female figure believed to be a former Lady Berkeley haunts the family quarters:

• Dressed in medieval gowns
• A gentle, sorrowful presence
• Often seen in the great hall
• Contrasts with the violent spirits elsewhere

The Jester’s Ghost

A court jester or fool has been seen in the castle grounds:

• Wearing motley clothing
• Capering and dancing
• His presence is unsettling rather than amusing
• He vanishes when anyone laughs

Modern Activity

The castle remains a private residence but is open to visitors. Paranormal investigations have documented:

• Temperature drops of up to 20 degrees in the murder room
• EVP recordings capturing screams
• Electromagnetic anomalies on September 21
• Numerous witness testimonies from staff and visitors

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.