The Berkeley Estate in the 18th Century by Dr Jim Pimpernell – 3rd September 2024
An intriguing look into the finances of a major landowner, The Berkely Family 1699 – 1809. Firstly, how did they come to own the land? Well, it starts with a wealthy Bristol merchant Robert Fitzharding in the 12th century. He was a supporter of Matilda the mother of the future King Henry II. His reward were the lands held by the previous occupant who had supported Stephen. Fitzharding then took on the name Berkeley. Jim’s research focused on the finances…