Berkeley is an ancient settlement. Coins were minted here in Saxon times and it is referred to in the Domesday Book as ‘Berchelai’.

Back in the 15th century, Berkeley was a thriving port with barges coming up The Pill (which is now little more than a stream) from the River Severn with coal and salt. There was a wharf in Jumpers Lane and this gave name to the pub at the top of Stock Lane – The Mariners Arms.

The centre of the town has changed very little over the past three centuries and is a conservation area. The majority of buildings were built pre-1840 and are listed buildings.

Berkeley’s most famous resident was Dr. Edward Jenner who pioneered the procedure of vaccination whilst living in Berkeley. The Vicarage, Edward Jenner’s home is now Dr. Jenner’s House Museum and Garden, you can still see the hut in the garden where he carried out his first vaccinations.