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Archive for the ‘Dorset’ Category

Sherborne Old Castle

04 May

Sherborne Castle originally began its life as a palace built by Roger of Caen who was the Bishop of Salisbury.  As with many other castles it came to be ruined as part of the English Civil War.  After you have been to get your ticket, you enter the site via the southwest gateway.  As you can see by the photographs beloe there is not a great deal of the castle left, the tallest part of the castle is what remains of The Great Tower.

Sir Walter Raleigh once lived here and as with most home owners, he made a few alterations.  The only remaining alteration that Sir Walter made is the column depicted below that was built to support the heavy ceilings over the basement rooms.

 
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Posted in Days Out, Dorset

 

Portland Castle

04 May

Address: DT5 1AZ
Website: English Heritage

Fearing an invasion from either France or Spain, Portland Castle was one of several built by Henry VIII between 1539 & 1540.  The castle has been in and out of service many times and the last time the castle was on active service was as recently as the Second World War.

Portland Castle may not be a particularly large castle but it is in excellent condition and is well worth a visit.  You begin your tour of the castle by entering in to the Great Hall where you are greated by a life-size model of King Henry VIII himself!

You then have the choice of either going to the Gunners Quarters or the Kitchen, after which you can then go in to the Gun Room where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea.

If you then head back in to the Great Hall you can climb the stairs up to the Upper Hall which will lead you to the bedrooms and the Captains Chanber.

You can then finish your tour by once again enjoying the view of the seas as you wander along the Upper Gun Platform.

 
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Posted in Days Out, Dorset