A FULL scale re-enactment of the fall of Corfe Castle will top off a month of English Civil War-themed activities at the historic site.

The re-enactment, called ‘Besieged and Betrayed’, takes place on the weekend of September 27-28. Before this, from September 20-22, practical demonstrations will be taking place on how to fire a cannon, how to destroy a castle and how to make a basket to carry away the rubble.

On the full scale re-enactment, a National Trust spokesman said: “It’s 1646 and after five years of bitter civil war Corfe castle stands as an isolated Royalist stronghold surrounded by Parliamentary forces.

“The castle has been under siege since the previous year and the bravery of owner Lady Mary Bankes in defence of her home has made her a Royalist heroine. But treachery is afoot and the castle’s mighty defences are about to be brought low.”

The events are free but normal castle admission charges still apply.