Because of 1156, I wondered if the former owner had backed Stephen of Blois. Instead, I find that a merchant from Bristol bought the grounds from Maud's half-brother, Robert of Gloucester & he was granted rights to the estate after Maud's son, Henry II rose to the throne.
http://home.freeuk.net/bgas/record.htm
"In the reign of Henry V, a lawsuit was commenced between Lord Berkeley and his cousin, the heiress of the family, which was continued 192 years."
http://www.britannia.com/history/castles/berkeley.html
A civil suit lasting 192 years is what I find to be absolutely amazing. LOL
It is claimed that the castle is where Edward II met his gruesome end. Almost makes you wonder what the family has in their private records.
The original one sank in the swamp