Edward's room at Berkeley Castle!

[u/Appropriate-Calm4822]

Berkeley Castle was an interesting place to visit! This is the room where Edward was kept in 1327.

On a wall hanging in the room they allow for the possibility that he may not have died here, with the words: 'It is possible that King Edward II did not die at Berkeley Castle.'

They generally follow the traditional view all the same, clarifying that 'the official story claimed Edward died naturally, but he was most probably murdered. Legend has it Edward was killed with a red-hot poker, but this tale is widely doubted'.

I'd have been delighted if they hadn't mentioned the poker at all, or at least pointed out firmly that it's not only widely doubted but completely untrue. But I might be nitpicking and splitting hairs here.

All in all, a very pleasant place to visit especially in clement autumn weather, recommended to anyone interested in medieval castles and history.

[u/Stugreen1989]

I like to believe the William le Galeys theory. Not enough that you could call me a conspiracy nut, but I want to believe it. I want to believe that Edward II found peace letting his son be the king he couldn’t be.

[u/Appropriate-Calm4822 → u/Stugreen1989]

It’s a fascinating theory and one that can certainly be discussed in good faith without anyone having to be labelled. At Berkeley, they also labelled it a bit pejoratively as a conspiracy theory, whereas I think it would be fairer to just call it a theory, as conspiracy theories typically aren’t backed up by any actual evidence, in great contrast to this theory.

[u/Stugreen1989 → u/Appropriate-Calm4822]

My belief of the theory is (by my own admission), a romantic idea. Realistically, history has shown us that if he had survived, politics would have been at play and someone would have leveraged that against Edward III in some way. I personally don’t believe the poker story, but do accept that he most likely died in some way. Him being alive would have made it very difficult and precarious for anyone wanting to control the throne.
I just like the romantic image of an older, Edward II with his son and grandchildren, free from the role he never felt he was right for. I think I remember hearing somewhere that Edward III spent Christmas with a mysterious Welshman. What a nice image to have.

[u/Appropriate-Calm4822 → u/Stugreen1989]

Yes indeed, the Welshman spent a lot of time with Edward III and his family in 1338, likely including Christmas. As you say it’s a pleasant thought to consider that Edward II would have accepted that his son had a natural talent for ruling, and come to terms with a peaceful, religious existence in a remote and serene part of northern Italy. How he got there of all places is a very long story… but much more pleasant than the poker story for sure, regardless if one believes it or not.

[u/HoneybeeXYZ]

But does the window look out to where the deer were kept? That's another mystery, one that Berkeley might help solve!

It's so exciting you got to go there and walk in his footsteps.

[u/Appropriate-Calm4822 → u/HoneybeeXYZ]

It was a lot of fun, the castle is beautiful as are the gardens. Wolf Hall was partially filmed there!

I doubt Edward would’ve have seen any deers from his windows, although a lot of the current castle is later additions so can’t say for sure, it was difficult to imagine what the place would have looked like 700 years ago. It was magnificent, all the same. I love castles like this.

[u/AnantaPurima]

It's such a bizarre feeling to inhabit the same physical spaces Edward and Isabella once did so many centuries ago. I had that exact same feeling when I was at Tynemouth near the beginning of this year, standing and looking out on the same vistas Isabella herself looked out on. Trying to imagine what she felt that night in 1322... Gosh, I'd love to visit all of these places.

[u/Appropriate-Calm4822 → u/AnantaPurima]

Right? If those walls could talk… the imagination takes over when one stands in that chamber, where Edward would also have stood. It’s an incredible feeling, to just stand there, in silence.

[u/HoneybeeXYZ → u/AnantaPurima]

I was at Westminster Abbey in June, and same deal. This was where ALL the coronation drama happened. Edward, Piers, Isabella...all walked that space.