History of Corfe Castle - The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, UK - Silhouette Public Art Sculptures on Waymarking.com

Each scene is associated with a piece of text describing the era; this is quoted below.

The story begins in 978 where a sword and a crown represent murder: '978 It is thought that in this year King Edward the Martyr was murdered by his (very wicked) stepmother Elfrida at the site of the Old Hall. She offered him some wine and then had him stabbed in the back. Even back then alcohol was bad for you!'

1086 sees the moving of stone as Corfe Castle is being built, with a horse pulling a cart: '1086 A few years after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conquerer swapped a church in Gillingham for this land, where he began to build Corfe Castle. Why do you think this was such a good place for a Castle? Why was it so easy to defend?'

1106 portrays the profiles of Henry I and Robert of Normandy as Robert was imprisoned in the castle keep: '1106 Have you a brother you don't get on with? Henry I did. First he fought a battle against his older brother, Robert of Normandy. Then, when Henry won, he shut Robert in the Keep. It's not hard to see why this was a good and secure place for a royal prisoner.'

A battle broke out in 1138 and a slung weapon loaded with stone is shown aimed at the castle: '1138 While Stephen was King, his cousin the empress Matilda raised an army against him, thinking she should have the throne of England. Stephen besieged one of her supporters, Baldwin de Redvers, here at Corfe Castle. Imagine being stuck inside the Castle and running out of food!'

Starvation and death is reflected with a skeleton in the dungeon as in '1199 - 1214 King John imprisoned his French niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany, at Corfe Castle. She survived, but 22 of her knights were not so lucky. When you walk past the Bulavant Tower you might hear echoes of their ghostly screams as they starved in a dungeon below.'

Improvements and renovation took place after this and a man is shown picking the stone whilst a woman tends to the chickens. '1220 - 1294 During this time at the Castle the inhabitants went about their daily lives. Henry III and Edward I made many improvements and modernised the defences, such as building the South West Gatehouse. Hard hats and health and safety? No chance!'

The sale of the castle is sealed with wax and paper in 1572, candles and a bag of money are shown. '1572 The last royal owner, Queen Elizabeth I, sold Corfe Castle to one of her favourites, Sir Christopher Hatton. Can you imagine what an estate agent's details would have looked like? By all accounts the Castle was ripe for modernisation and a bargain at only £4,762.'

Stoical loyalty to the King is depicted in 1635 as men stick together in an army, carrying guns and flags whilst they are attacked by the Parliamentary forces opposite them. '1635 The Castle was sold to the Lord Chief Justice, Sir John Bankes. He and his family stayed true to King Charles during the Civil War, while the opposing Parliamentary forces held almost all of Dorset. Could you have been so loyal and brave?'

Treachery saw Corfe Castle fall during the Civil War and two women are shown, one is Lady Bankes receiving the keys. '1643 - 1646 Under the command of "Brave Dame Mary" Bankes, Corfe Castle twice held off sieges in the Civil War. It was finally captured because of treachery from within its walls. Lady Bankes was allowed to leave unharmed and in recognition of her bravery, was given the keys to the castle.'

Peacefully grazing sheep and rabbits see a period of rest. '1646 - 1663 After partial demolition and looting of the Castle by order of Parliament, Lady Bankes' son, Ralph, tried to recover what he could. He later built a new mansion at Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne. There you can see some family portraits as well as the Castle's keys.'

Finally in 1982 we are up to date as The National Trust takes over the ownership of the castle. A family group visiting the castle is shown in harmony and the oak leaves and acorn represent the National Trust emblem. '1982 After three and a half centuries of ownership by the Bankes family, the Castle was given to the National Trust. This incredibly generous gift included countryside, coastline, farms, nature reserves and the mansion at Kingston Lacy. What will you leave to future generations?'

The combination of narrative and silhouette art both educates and visualises this history for all visitors.

Title of Piece: Unknown Artist: Swift Signs Material/Media: Metal Location (specific park, transit center, library, etc.): Corfe Castle Web link(s) for additional information: [Web Link]

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