Lulworth Castle
Visit to Lulworth Castle
SPAB Dorset Event
£6 entry fee (free for members of English Heritage or the Historic Houses Association) + £1 for guide. Payment will be taken on the day, please pre-register.
Event details
Sunday 27 November 2022, starting at 10.30 am
This visit starts at Lulworth Castle, and for those who have the time can include both the Roman Catholic and Church of England churches in the park. A slightly longer walk (weather permitting) could take us to Park Lodge – half a mile north – where the exterior may be viewed – and could be extended to take in North Lodge and Clare Tower along the northern boundary of the Park.
According to the RCHM, construction of Lulworth Castle began in 1608 but the interior was still unfinished when the whole estate was purchased by Humphrey Weld in 1641, and it has been in Weld ownership ever since. It was altered frequently from that time onward, but gutted in a major fire in 1929 and stood in ruins for some 50 years before being taken into guardianship by English Heritage,
A major campaign of repair took place in the latter years of the 20th century but (for reasons that will be explained) did not include reinstatement of the interior.
David Greenhalf has agreed to guide us around the Castle, and has great knowledge of the history of the building. He will point out surviving features of different periods and show us a number of details that still represent puzzles.
The Castle will be open to the public on this day. SPAB members will be admitted on this occasion at the concessionary rate of £6; but entry is free for members of English Heritage or the Historic Houses Association (please bring the necessary evidence). There is a pay-and-display car park, apparently charging £3. We will collect a further £1 per head toward a gift for our guide.
There is a café at the Castle where it should be possible to obtain a light lunch; or the Weld Arms is a short walk away.
PLEASE NOTE: Payment for this event will be taken on the day. The entry fee for the castle should be paid at reception - please meet Peter Brachi there who will ensure those who need to pay are charged the concessionary rate. Please bring £1 in cash for us to pass to our guide for the visit.
Accessibility: please contact the Group Organiser before booking to discuss any special access requirements.
Image credit: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons