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Blacksmithing workshops - medieval key making

Ever fancied having a go at forging your very own medieval key?

  • Booking essential

Join Alistair Butcher from ABforgeworks, a blacksmith based in Corfe Castle village, forging historical and archaeological items based on the area’s local history.

Get hands on and learn how to forge your own Anglo Saxon / early medieval keys linked to Corfe Castle using traditional methods of blacksmithing to recreate ancient history.

Make an early medieval key to a design based on archaeological finds and depictions of keys dating from roughly 800-1100 AD. Learn about the history and production of keys from the Middle Ages to the 1600s.

Sessions are 1 on 1 lasting for an hour. £60 per person including access to the castle for the whole day of the workshop.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All £60.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 03442491895

Suitability

Not suitable for children

Meeting point

These workshops will take place in the Outer Bailey of Corfe Castle, please arrive 15 minutes before your booked session at the castle ticket office.

What to bring and wear

Please wear clothing you don't mind getting mucky, closed toed shoes essential. Please also dress for the weather as these sessions will be taking place outdoors.

Accessibility

Access to the Outer Bailey is step free. These sessions will involve physical elements, due to the nature of blacksmithing. To discuss any access requirements please email corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss before booking.

Other

If you wish to take part in a pair, please contact us at corfecastle@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss options

Upcoming events

Event

Flight of the Castle family quest with Nosy Crow 

Can you take flight to discover the birds that call Corfe Castle home as you explore the ruins? Hunt for the quest boards around the castle each featuring illustrations from the book, A Story of the Seasons.

Event summary

on
25 May to 18 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 54 other dates or times
Event

Corporal of the Castle - Storytelling Tours 

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE day, join the Corporal of the Castle for an interactive storytelling tour. Suitable for children and those young at heart!

Event summary

on
25 May to 1 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 7 other dates or times
Event

May Half Term 

Get lost in adventure at Corfe Castle this May half Term. Join the Corporal of the Castle with interactive storytelling tours and take flight with our new family quest in collaboration with Nosy Crow.

Event summary

on
25 May to 1 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 17:30
+ 7 other dates or times
Event

Kings' view experience 

For the first time since 1646, you can ascend the Kings Tower at Corfe Castle to experience rare historical features and panoramic views - once only reserved for royalty.

Event summary

on
25 May to 19 Oct 2025
at
10:30 to 15:45
+ 91 other dates or times