CANNON fire will ring out around Corfe Castle next month.

On September 7 and 8, there will be a re-enactment of ‘The Betrayal’ at Corfe Castle, portraying the events of 1646 when the castle was taken by Parliamentarian forces.   

The English Civil War Society will be bringing history to life and visitors will be able to see, hear and feel the drama with various events and activities across both days.   

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.   

At midday, 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.

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?”