BRISTOL and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society is to publish in October a huge catalogue of the mediaeval archives at Berkeley Castle.

The estate was acquired from Henry II by Robert Fitzharding whose son, Maurice, took the surname Berkeley. His direct descendant is John Berkley who still owns the castle and estate. At one time the family also owned land in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and most of the shire counties of England.

The archives, now catalogued for the first time, chart the history of this extraordinary family who were at the centre of national events for much of the mediaeval period. The documents also provide lots of information about people who lived on their estates.

David Smith, Berkeley Castle archivist, said: "The catalogue is a major source for historians. The records have been known about for many years but they have been difficulty to use because there wasn't a proper list. Now documents which have lain in the castle for up to 800 years are listed in an easy-to-find way. The large index will make it simple to spot items relating to named people and places."

The catalogue has been compiled by Dr Bridget Wells-Furby. About 20 years ago she wrote a thesis on the Berkeleys in the 14th century and has been working on the catalogue for the last 15 years.

She said: "People don't realise just how important and powerful the Berkeley family once was. As well as having custody of the deposed Edward II until his murder in 1327, members of the family were closely involved with the abdication of Richard II in 1399, fought the last private battle in England at Nibley Green on March 20, 1470, and were at every major battle in the Hundred Years War with France."

A society spokesman said: "We are very pleased to publish this catalogue as part of our annual Gloucestershire Record Series. We can do this because our late member H Gordon Williams, of Olveston, bequeathed us some money. Four years ago we used it to publish Bishop Benson's survey of the diocese of Gloucester and the savings we made then have been used for this catalogue."

At nearly 1,300 pages in two hard-back volumes it will cost £60. But people ordering before June 28 can get the set for £45 post-free (within the UK). Anyone joining the society before October 1 can get the catalogue at the member's price of £22.

For further details the number to ring is 01452 302610.