Lady Tar 

Naval muster books rarely mention the women who served in the ships commanded by captains such as Nelson and Saumarez. The life of a seaman’s wife was not always a happy one – on board or on land - as our lady tar can tell you!

(approx 15 min.)

Lady Tar PDF poster (511 Kb)

Pirates and Privateers 

Obtaining a ‘Letter of Marque’ from the King gave seamen a legitimate claim on the bounty from enemy ships. ‘Dangerous Brian’ thinks this is one for him. He goes to London to make a claim from the Admiralty clerk – who is rather more impressed by the dignified Mr Tupper.

(approx 20 min. - Lower Courtyard / Hatton Gallery)

Pirates & Privateers PDF poster (420 Kb)

1204 and all that

1204 and all that…King John’s loses Normandy and medieval Guernsey isn’t impressed - even with Eustace the monk to help! Specially commissioned for Celebration 800 in 2004

(Approx 40 min. – Lower Courtyard)

‘Return to the Castle’ 

In December 1672 a storm raged over Castle Cornet. Lightening struck the Donjon (Keep) and ignited the gunpowder stored below. The resulting explosion destroyed the home & family of Sir Christopher Hatton who had recently taken over the Governorship of Guernsey from his unpopular father. Sir Christopher’s two sisters, Alice and Jane, survived the explosion despite being trapped for some hours by a fallen beam. Join them as they look back on the events of that night and its effect on their lives.

(Approx 15 min. - Sutler’s Garden)

‘Burnt at the Stake!’ 

Religious persecution during the reigns of the Tudor Queens Mary 1 and Elizabeth 1 caused much misery and confusion in 16th century England. ‘Foxes Book of Martyrs’ records the tale of three Guernsey women, one of whom was pregnant, accused of heresy. Our short play explores the story behind their tragedy as they are led from their prison in Castle Cornet to be burnt at the stake in St Peter Port.

(approx 30 min. - Lower Courtyard)

‘Besieged!’ - A Soldiers Tale 

Castle Cornet was garrisoned by the English and when the English Civil War broke out in 1643, Sir Peter Osborne, Lieutenant Governor of Guernsey, whose official residence was in Castle Cornet, refused to surrender and stayed loyal to the King. Guernsey, on the other hand, supported the Parliamentarians. For nine years the Castle was besieged. It is now December 1651 and Castle Cornet has surrendered to the Parliamentarians. In our story, ‘John Plunkett’ recalls his life as a soldier garrisoned in the Castle throughout the siege.

(Approx 20 min. - Middle Courtyard)

‘A Close Shave!’ 

The English Civil War. In October 1643 Castle Cornet is a Royalist stronghold whilst the island of Guernsey sympathises with the Parliamentarians. Three eminent Guernsey men are tricked into imprisonment in the Castle but make a daring escape. Follow their story with a soldier from the garrison.

(approx 25 min. - Starts on the Upper Level)

‘Wildhawk’ Warneford and the downing of the Zeppelin 

New recruits to 201 Squadron RAF are reminded of the story of Rex Warneford of  No.1 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service, precursor of 201 Squadron RAF, who won the VC as the first man to destroy one of the new terror weapons, a Zeppelin in 1915. However, his fame was short lived. He was killed in a flying accident ten days later. ‘Paris Soir’ commented, ‘He who defeated the storm has been killed by a breeze’.

(Approx 15 min. - Middle Courtyard)

‘An Island Posting’ 

Performed by The Guernsey Military Re-enactors

It is 1943. The Castle has been garrisoned by German occupying forces for 3 years. Three Grenadiers stationed in Castle Cornet talk about their uniform, kit, weapons and their posting from the Russian Front. The war is going against them and they are under orders not to fraternise with the locals.

(All day selected weekends only - Royal Battery and around the Castle)

‘An Unfathomed Man’ 

Charles Hatton tells the story of his father - in - law Sir John Lambert imprisoned in Castle Cornet from 1661-1670 after the English Civil War. One of Oliver Cromwell’s deputies, he was banished to the Island by Charles 11. A man of great integrity and military intelligence, Lambert’s incarceration was an ordeal which destroyed his health and his future.

(Approx 35 min. - Lambert’s Garden)

‘A Narrow Escape’ 

Guernsey man Admiral Sir James Saumarez served with Lord Nelson and had a distinguished career in the British Navy. Our lively story reflects on his life and in particular his escape from a superior French squadron through the treacherous rocks of Guernsey - helped by Guernsey man Jean Breton.

(Approx 25 min. - Lower Courtyard)

‘All Hands on Deck!’ 

Round the world in 30 minutes! From 1740-1744, Commander Anson’s Royal Navy Squadron circumnavigated the globe in pursuit of the Spanish and their treasure ships. On board is Guernsey man Philip Saumarez and it is through his eyes that the story unfolds. A story of ill-manned ships, disease, determination and eventually – triumph!

(Approx 35 min. - Lower Courtyard)

‘Full Steam Ahead!’

A Victorian tale of competition, heroism and tragedy as the railway companies strive to be the first to the Channel Islands with their steamer services. On Maundy Thursday 1899 the London & South Western Railway steamer ‘Stella’ struck the Casquets rocks whilst attempting a fast passage. Over 100 people perished in the disaster.

(Approx 35 min. - Lower Courtyard)

Tudor Times 

Meet ‘Lady Margaret’ who accompanied Lady Leighton, the Governor’s wife on a brief visit to the Castle in the 16th century. As she works on her black work embroidery she shares her experiences.

(Approx 20 min. - Sutler’s Garden & Story of Castle Cornet)

Cannons in the Castle

The firing of a cannon and more about these amazing pieces of artillery- found not only in the castle but elsewhere along the coast of Guernsey.

(Approx 15 min. - Saluting Battery)

‘Sailor Beware!’ Romans in Guernsey 

This story for children and adults ponders on what might have happened during a few fateful weeks around 286 AD when a Gallo - Roman ship came to grief in St Peter Port’s harbour. The story is based on the evidence on display in Castle Cornet’s Maritime Museum

(Approx 20 min. – Maritime Museum)

Medals of the Militia

A look at the medal collection and some of the stories that surround them.

(Approx 20 min. – Militia Museum)