Berkhamstead Castle
Berkhamstead (or
Berkhamsted)
Castle in
Hertfordshire had a leading role in English medieval history, but very little is now to be seen, the ruins having passed into the care of
English Heritage. The original fortification dates from
Saxon times, and the castle was later given by
William the Conqueror to his half-brother, Robert, Count of
Mortain.
Thomas Becket lived here during his term as Chancellor of England. It later passed into the hands of the Earls of
Cornwall, one of whom was
Piers Gaveston, favourite of King
Edward II of England.
Another,
Edward, the Black Prince, spent much of his time at this residence.
Important events which took place at Berkhamstead Castle: