Bishop Bray

#OTD 7 days after Corfe was taken by Col Bingham Richard Jones was granted "free libertie to brew in Corffe" for "his souldiers". Ironically Jones was one of #TheTraitors in the garrison who had betrayed it. Pitman was a stranger in #Dorset so Jones acted as his supposed guide.

"Corfe Towne, February 27, 1645 (old style) ..This morning 'twixt 4 & 5, a party of about six score firelocks gott into the Castle..the castle is like to bee youres within this hower." John Fitzjames to William Lenthall. Picture Emma Lindell.

His Majesties Army from The English Civil War Society will assemble on The Mall tomorrow at 11.00am and brave the rebels to come out of the City and face them. Then in full C17th funeral regalia proceed to Horse Guards and "Remember" his horrid bloodie murder.

Spring is coming! - walking Vespasians Roman Road #Dorset

At home we await the arrival of Father Christmas! #Dorset A very Happy Christmas to everyone, all twelve days of them - the cropheads shall not ban it! And a very prosperous New Year to you all.

Do go and see "Trouble, Bubble & Squeak" a solo show by the fabulous @victoriamelody which is still touring. Funny, informative, thought provoking and full of wonderful genuine tales of humanity - what other performer is talking about The Diggers?

Very much looking forward to seeing, with Lady Bray tonight @victoriamelody at @thespringhavant as my sequestration has been lifted. Brilliant to see another take on my times on stage and perhaps it is time for me to return to preaching live again!

@CMaclean96 These are beautiful but there are many fakes that turn up for sale so "caveat emptor".

This siege coin was minted to pay the Royalist defenders of Scarborough (1644-45) during the English Civil War. Silver plate was cut to size & stamped with a depiction of Scarborough Castle & a mark of value, this one was worth 5 shillings & 8 pence.

We're flying flags! Welcoming visitors for @heritageopendays

Next weekend, Saturday 13 September. I'll be at Bishop Auckland Library giving a free talk about Prince Rupert, his devilish dog, and the remarkable women in his life. I'll also be signing copies of the biography with quill & ink. This all coincides with a re-enactment event at Auckland Palace, by the English Civil War Society! @ECWSociety So if you'd like a full-on 17th century weekend, come along and join me.

Corfe Castle at sunset tonight. The ivy covered tower far left is the probable entrance used by Colonel Pitman & Corporal Jones to betray the castle. Recent archaeology that I was part of failed to prove this but new documentary evidence now suggests this was the sallyport.

His Majesties forces @CorfeCastleUK are receiving huge numbers of young people that are flocking to His cause they will save this Kingdom from the evils of rebellion @ECWSociety

@MouseBishop If you go this weekend 6/7 Sept to @CorfeCastleUK you can see Lady Bankes herself as she prepares once again to resist the outrages of the rebels @ECWSociety

In the English Civil War, the indefatigable royalist Mary Bankes twice led the defence of Corfe Castle when it was besieged by Parliamentarian forces. The castle fell after she was betrayed - but she lived to have its ruins returned to her, after the monarchy’s restoration.

I go to @CorfeCastleUK for a visit this weekend and am greeted by Lady Bankes and Colonel Pitman, an experienced soldier who has just joined the garrison and I am told is most trustworthy. Do come and say hello to Lady Bankes and the @ECWSociety we hear the rebels are closing in!

@CharlesCordell The fighting started in Penzance on May 22nd with the Parliamentarians taking the town. The following day 23rd they advanced to Mawgan Church where fighting broke out before the Gear position was taken. 24th May Col Hardress Waller reported 200 taken & rest dispersed

@BishopBray @BishopBray, do we know the date for 'the Gear Rout'? I can only find that it was in May 1648.

Visiting my Cornish garrison I go to Gear a huge ancient circular hillfort; "The Gear Rout" 1648 the last stand of Cornish royalism. Firing from the tree line (forts banks) down on the bridge below but driven back some hurled themselves to death in the sea rather than surrender.

@battleftrust And where the supposed palace of King Mark was excavted in the 1930's. A wonderful unspoilt piece of history where one can imagine Essex's gunners straining & his Foot enduring. Congratulations on a sell out event.

Sunday 31st August 2025, 10:30am and 2pm Battle of Lostwithiel 1644 N.B. These walks are now fully booked. Please do not attend if you have not booked in advance. A reserve list of names will be kept in case of any cancellations. Further details at Events in our bio.

"Jack" 1624 - Minehead Church, #Somerset. In 1642 he would have witnessed the Marq of Hertfords small force of Foot from Sherborne Castle evacuated to S Wales in coal boats. Hopton took the Horse and helped raise Cornwall for the King. A pull cord behind strikes his bell.

What did you do at the weekend? I was on the bridge at St Ives, Cambridgeshire smiting the Amalekites! @ECWSociety

This Friday 9.00pm on BBC2 Hidden Treasures of the National Trust the story of last summers dig led by good friend Dr Papworth @NatTrustArch to try and discover the sallyport used by Col Pitman to betray Corfe no spoilers but shockingly you may see knees and a Bishop labouring!