Berkeley

02Geography

Situated in the Vale of Berkeley, the town lies between the River Severn and the M5 motorway. Berkeley is positioned on a small hill and is traversed by the Little Avon River, which historically was navigable until the construction of a tidal reservoir at Berkeley Pill in the late 1960s.

03History

Berkeley's history dates back to its first recorded mention in 824 as Berclea. It was a significant medieval market town and port, with archaeological finds indicating the presence of an Anglo-Saxon minster. The town's governance evolved after the Norman Conquest, leading to the construction of Berkeley Castle by Roger de Tosny and his descendants.

• 824 First recorded as Berclea.
• 1044 Demolition of the Anglo-Saxon monastery.
• 1824 Construction of Berkeley Town Hall.
• 1964 Closure of the railway station.
• 2011 Closure of Vale of Berkeley College.

Berkeley, Gloucestershire, is known for its castle and as the birthplace of Edward Jenner, the pioneer of vaccination.

04Notable People

Berkeley is renowned as the birthplace of Edward Jenner, who developed the first smallpox vaccine. His contributions to medicine are commemorated at the Edward Jenner Museum, located in his former home. The town is also the birthplace of Victoria Cross recipient John Fitzhardinge Paul Butler.

• Edward Jenner Pioneer of vaccination, buried at the Church of St Mary.
• John Fitzhardinge Paul Butler Victoria Cross recipient.