The sunshine reminded the boys to have fun and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. As you can see from the photographs, it was a delightful spring day to walk around the castle and admire the views that the Normans needed to control the local Saxon population. So many English monarchs have walked these walls and looked out at Poole Harbour and the Purbecks - it is an impressive and significant castle and well worth a trip if you haven't yet visited.

The guides at Corfe Castle complimented the boys on their impressive knowledge of history, from monarchs to castle design, and I was proud of their behaviour and insightful questions. They listened carefully to all the stories from garderobes and oubliettes, to sieges and treachery.

After a quick lunch, we travelled to nearby Kingston Lacy, where the Bankes family moved after their castle was destroyed by the Parliamentarians. The art, grandeur, and ornate rooms of the house provided a fascinating glimpse into the centuries following the Civil War, along with the remarkable collections of Henry Bankes, who entertained the powerful and famous at his home.

Since our trip, Year 8 (W and S) have been using the fieldwork to prepare for a potential examination question. I encourage you to discuss with your son the arguments about the benefits and limitations of historical sites for historians. I'm sure the boys will have visited many different sites with their families and it would be excellent if they make use of them in their arguments.

This trip was only possible with the support of school staff, and I would like to thank the school kitchen, Mr Selwyn-Bazeley, Mr Reynolds, Ms Carpenter, and Miss Taylor for their time and efforts in making the field trip a happy and productive experience.

Mrs Bailey
Head of History