DSCF3822 Go South Coast 1412 (HF09 FVT) in Corfe Castle - 28 Jul 2018

Saturday 28 July 2018 (1424) – Go South Coast 1412 (HF09 FVT), an Optare Olympus bodied Scania N230UD new in May 2009, seen travelling through Corfe Castle in Dorset. It carries a vintage livery of erstwhile Hants and Dorset Motor Services Limited.

The castle keep was built in the early 12th century for King Henry I, William the Conqueror’s son. Standing 21m tall and on top of a 55m high hill the tower of Purbeck limestone can be seen from miles around.

During the 17th century Civil War the castle stood firm. The Bankes family supported King Charles I (Cavaliers) against Oliver Cromwell (Roundheads). Lady Bankes defended the castle through two sieges until finally she was betrayed by one of her own soldiers.

After six centuries of keeping enemies at bay an Act of Parliament was passed at Wareham to destroy the castle. Captain Hughes of Lulworth was given the job of demolishing it. His sappers dug deep holes packed with gunpowder to bring the towers and ramparts crashing down, resulting in the yawning gaps and crazy angles seen today.