HISTORY is coming to life at Corfe Castle next weekend.
The 11th century castle will host a dramatic re-enactment of ‘The Betrayal’ next weekend, portraying the events of 1646 when the castle was taken by Parliamentarian forces.
Visitors will be able to see, hear and feel the drama with various events and activities across both days, courtesy of the English Civil War Society.
The event will begin at 10:40am on each day with military marching from West Street car park to the village square, where they meet Lady Bankes.
Lady Bankes calls for tenants to come into the castle and bring supplies.
History will be brought to life next weekend Picture: National Trust/Jon Bish
At 12pm, there will be the firing of a musket, pike and cannons in a military drill before inviting children to take part in a firing drill at 12.30pm.
Lady Bankes and her officers will then have dinner in the field— a much more elegant and satisfying meal than those of the serving soldiers.
Families are invited to dress up in the dressing up booth, discover a stonemason trying to repair the castle, see what life was like in an authentic kitchen, see a constable laying down local 17th-century law and experience a 17th-century tavern with soldiers playing authentic games, sleeping or repairing armour.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the social divide between the finely dressed officers and gentry and the soldiers and tradesmen beneath them Picture: National Trust/Jon Bish
Ellen Smith, senior programming and partnerships officer at Corfe Castle, said: “We’re thrilled The English Civil War Society are coming to Corfe Castle.
“They really know how to create immersive experiences and engage young people with this interesting time in history”
Stephen Burden from the English Civil War Society said: “We are delighted to be returning to Corfe Castle our “home” since 1996— taking families back in time to the colourful days of the 17th century.
“Although Lady Bankes is heavily outnumbered her soldiers say it is far less scary to face Roundheads than it is the children’s drill!
“Come, visit and talk to her in her home, meet the soldiers, see the garrison’s everyday life— but is there a traitor ready to betray the Castle?”
Timings on each day:
- 10.30am: Military force begin their march from the Castle View car park to the village square for Colonel Laurence’s proclamation.
- 11.00am: Military force greeted in the Square by Lady Bankes and Colonel Laurence who calls for her tenants to come into the Castle and bring supplies. Hear the King’s commission of Array, read from the Market Cross.
- 11.00am – 4.30pm: Living history throughout the castle.
- 12 noon: Cannon fire.
- 12-12.30pm: Pike and Musket drill, followed by a children’s drill.
- 12.30pm: Firing of one small cannon in remembrance.
- 1pm: Watch Lady Bankes and her officers have dinner in the field.
- 1pm: Musket fire.
- 2.30pm: Musket fire.
- 3.00-3.30pm: Watch the siege of Corfe Castle on Saturday 7 or ‘The Betrayal’ as the traitor Colonel Pitman betrays the Castle.
Castle opening times: 10am to 5pm. Normal admission charges apply for this special weekend event or free for National Trust members.
More information can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
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