Berkhamsted Castle

This year marks the 650th anniversary of the death of Edward of Woodstock, eldest son of King Edward III and one of Berkhamsted’s most famous residents – known to history as Edward the Black Prince.

Edward was a prominent English commander during the Hundred Years’ War against France, and fought at the Battles of Crécy (1346) and Poitiers (1356) alongside Henry of Berkhamsted, a local knight whose tomb can be seen in St Peter’s Parish Church in Berkhamsted. Edward became the first Duke of Cornwall in 1337, and from that time, Berkhamsted Castle was established as a centre of power for the Ducy of Cornwall.

The Black Prince was first in line to the English throne, but he never became king, as he died of dysentery on 8 June 1376. Instead, Edward’s son acceded to the throne in 1377 – King Richard II.

Visit Berkhamsted Castle every weekend and Bank Holiday from 9th May to meet our friendly volunteer welcomers, and find out more about this incredible warrior, who lived, hunted, honeymooned and played host to his parents, the King and Queen, at Berkhamsted.