STORIES from the at-times gruesome past of a Dorset landmark will be told in a new exhibition.

The National Trust at Corfe Castle has collaborated with Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) BA (Hons) Performance Design and Film Costume graduate, Claire Thomas, to bring human tales to life in The Stories of the Spirits.

With 1,000 years of history, Corfe Castle was once home to royalty and nobility but behind its grandness lurk stories of a gruesome past.

The new display will bring to life the stories of five important people from its history.

King Edward the Martyr who was stabbed in the back at the castle in 975, Matilda de Briouse who was starved to death, King Edward II who was imprisoned, Christopher Hatton who renovated the castle back to splendour and Mary Bankes who fought to keep the castle from the parliamentarians during the civil war.

Sketches of the characters by Claire Thomas

From now until November 12, there will be a family quest within the castle and visitors can learn about the spirits, their connection to the castle and collect stamps for a prize at the end.

And from October 14, there will also be a free exhibition at the Welcome Centre, featuring the haunting costumes and Claire’s sketch book.

Sophie Trenchard, visitor experience officer at Corfe Castle, said: “Visitors of all ages will be intrigued and enlightened by the real stories of those who lived and died at Corfe Castle.

“Claire’s obvious talent and enthusiasm has been inspirational and instrumental in bringing their stories to life.”

Claire said: “Corfe Castle is a beautiful location with such a rich history. Bringing the ‘spirits’ to life and getting a little window into the past was such a fun experience and I would’ve loved to have experienced this type of history lesson when I was a kid.”

Dan Cox, head of AUB Open Campus, added: “Here at AUB we’re incredibly proud of what Claire has achieved with this project, and we’re thrilled to have been involved in bringing Corfe Castle’s history to life in such a creative and imaginative way.

“We’re excited for the public to not only see the work from one of our talented graduates, but to also experience first-hand the joy and intrigue that the creative arts can bring to our Dorset community.”

The Stories of the Spirits Quest at Corfe Castle runs until November 12. Normal admission applies, members free.

The exhibition is at Castle View Visitor Centre from October 14 until November 5, from 10am to 3.30pm. Entry is free.

For more details, log on to nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle.

Meet the characters

King Edward the Martyr was stabbed in the back at the castle in 975. Picture: Bella Swatman

Matilda de Briouse was starved to death. Picture: Bella Swatman

King Edward II was imprisoned at the castle. Picture: Bella Swatman

Christopher Hatton renovated the castle back to splendour. Picture: Bella Swatman

Mary Bankes fought to keep the castle from the parliamentarians. Picture: Bella Swatman