VISITORS to Berkeley Castle will now have an easy introduction to the fascinating heritage of the celebrated site.

The town’s historic monument has a chequered past, believed to be the scene of the murder of King Edward II in 1327. It’s also been the home of the Berkeley family since the 12th century.

This information has now been enshrined in a new timeline displayed along the path joining the Walled Garden and site entrance with the Castle.

House manager Eleanor Taylor said the boards showed the history of the castle from earliest times right through to the present day.

"They bring into context the events that have taken place through history and set them out in chronological order," she explained. "The timeline is set out along the Rose Walk that leads to the Castle giving the visitor a taste of what they will find inside."

The 10 new boards, made by Berkeley company Sema4graphics, have been made possible thanks to a £1,000 grant from Magnox, who run the now decommissioned Berkeley Power Station.

The castle applied through the Magnox Socio Economic scheme, which allows local community groups to apply for funding, supported by the NDA, Energy Solutions and Magnox.

Berkeley site director Steve McNally presented a cheque for £1,000 to Charles Berkeley on Tuesday, April 29.

Mr McNally said: “Magnox were thrilled to be able to support such a great local project.

“We’re committed to mitigating the impact of decommissioning on the communities in which we operate through socio-economic support and this funding will help retain the history of Berkeley Castle so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

For more information on the funding scheme, visit www.magnoxsocioeconomic.co.uk