[AJR]

From the BBC Website, 13th March 2008

Firefighters tackle castle blaze

Up to 75 firefighters have tackled a large fire in the grounds of Sherborne Castle in Dorset. The cause of the fire, which destroyed a large heated greenhouse and caused severe damage to a shop, is being investigated. No one was hurt.

At its height, 14 engines tackled the fire on Thursday night. Two appliances remain on site to dampen down the burnt-out buildings.

The castle, which was undamaged, was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. It has been home to the Wingfield Digby family since 1617. During World War I it became a Red Cross hospital for wounded soldiers.

It is a popular tourist attraction and is due to reopen for the summer season on 22nd March.



From the Dorset Echo, 14th March 2008

Probe into castle fire

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of a large fire that broke out in the grounds of Sherborne Castle.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service were called to the blaze, which involved a heated greenhouse and an adjacent shop, shortly after 8.30pm last night. At one point around 75 firefighters were at the scene in New Road tackling the flames, which took more than four hours to bring under control.

The greenhouse and its contents were completely destroyed by fire but crews were able to save around half of the neighbouring shop. A Dorset Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the cause of the blaze was under investigation and officials would be returning to the scene again today.

Sherborne Castle, a popular tourist attraction, is due to reopen for the summer on March 22nd.

[AJR]

An old postcard of the castle from my collection.

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[AJR]

Another old postcard of Sherborne Castle, recently purchased.

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