[273] It is not necessary to discuss the authenticity of the story preserved by Walter Map; it is enough that Gytha, the wife of Godwin, held in horror the means by which her husband got possession of Berkeley Nunnery. D. B., i., 164.
[274] Mediæval Military Architecture, i., 236.
[275] The gift of the manor was made before Henry became king, and was confirmed by charter on the death of Stephen in 1154. Fitzhardinge was an Englishman, son of an alderman of Bristol, who had greatly helped Henry in his wars against Stephen. See Fosbroke’s History of Gloucester.
[276] He held Berkeley under the crown at the time of the Survey. D. B., i., 163a.
[277] From information received from Mr Duncan Montgomerie.
[278] Fosbroke’s History of Gloucester attributes this bailey to Maurice, son of Robert Fitzhardinge. One of the most interesting features in this highly interesting castle is the wooden pentice leading from the main stairway of the keep to the chamber called Edward II.’s. Though a late addition, it is a good instance of the way in which masonry was eked out by timber in mediæval times.
[279] Clark, M. M. A., i., 229.
[280] D. B., i., 163.
[281] Victoria County History of Herts, from which the description of these earthworks is entirely taken.
[282] Mon. Ang., vii., 1090.