Swanage couples may soon be able to marry in a castle built on Brownsea Island by King Henry VIII if plans by the John Lewis Partnership are given the nod by Dorset Council.
Brownsea Castle, which dates back to 1545, could be used for up to 20 weddings and private parties a year for the general public from 2025 if a new planning application is passed.
Brownsea Island, in the parish of Studland, could soon become the in place for Purbeck brides to marry
Studland parish council to be consulted
Ever since John Lewis leased the castle from the National Trust in 1963, they have used it as a hotel and holiday centre for exclusive use by their staff at reduced rates, as a perk of employment.
Although the National Trust does run occasional guided tours and cream teas at the castle, it has remained tantalisingly off limits to the visiting public, but that could be about to change.
The John Lewis Partnership has submitted a planning application to host between 10 and 20 public events a year at the castle, which could cover weddings, graduation events or parties for up to 75 guests with overnight accommodation for 50.
Studland parish council, which has responsibility for planning issues on Brownsea Island, is being consulted on the application at its September meeting, with a final decision likely to be taken by Dorset Council later in autumn.
The grand interior of Brownsea Castle would make a perfect location for a wedding
Plans are unlikely to be challenged
It is not thought likely to be controversial – under the terms of the original planning permission, granted by Wareham and Purbeck Rural District Council in 1963, the near derelict castle was to be repaired and used as a private hotel for staff and little has changed since.
Although the castle is Grade II listed, no further alterations are being sought and no change to the way the building is used, other than to extend the number of events held there.
At the moment, the castle hosts 10 private events and functions a year for JLP Partners, their families and friends, often following weddings at the island church of St Mary’s.
The hotel season at Brownsea Castle runs from the end of January up to the last week before Christmas when there can be between 50 and 75 overnight guests and up to 50 additional day visitors.
A fairytale setting for any bride’s perfect day
Revenue would allow JLP to offset costs
Tim Williams, of London based planning consultants FirstPlan, said:
“This site has been used as a private hotel for John Lewis Partners since the 1960s, after the National Trust purchased Brownsea Castle through a JLP employee link.
“In return, JLP received a lease on the Grade II listed Brownsea Castle, which along with its grounds and outbuildings has been renovated by JLP.
“The hotel operation at Brownsea Castle forms part of the JLP Partnership scheme which provides employees with an opportunity to enjoy a holiday that they may not be able to afford, at a subsidised rate.
“The existing private hotel, events and functions for JLP partners at Brownsea Castle will continue to operate. The applicant is seeking confirmation that the building could be used to facilitate between 10 and 20 events and functions for the general public per year.
“This would result in an overall increase from approximately 10 events to 30 events per year at Brownsea Castle, which will assist JLP with generating commercial revenue to offset its subsidy costs, to allow it to continue operating Brownsea Castle as a private hotel for its employees.”
Brownsea Castle is currently used as a hotel for long-serving employees
“A beautiful, picturesque setting”
A John Lewis Partnership spokesperson said:
“Brownsea Castle is a beautiful, picturesque setting, available for our partners to enjoy. We’re exploring options for a small number of people outside our partnership to enjoy the benefits of the scenic location to celebrate their special occasions, such as weddings.
“John Lewis Partnership Partners and their guests can stay on Brownsea Island, as one of our five subsidised hotels across the UK. National Trust members are able to visit for afternoon tea.
“If successful, this planning application would mean that we would consider other guests hiring the castle and grounds for very special occasions, and to enjoy our beautiful surroundings.”
An artist’s impression of a new visitor centre and lookout for Dorset Wildlife Trust
The Lookout is close to completion
Brownsea Island is mostly owned by the National Trust, which has its own holiday houses and camping facilities, along with a visitor centre, restaurant, natural play areas and sandy beaches with kayak and paddleboard access.
A hundred hectares on the island is managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with the National Trust where The Lookout is close to completion, a welcome centre with an elevated viewing platform to provide spectacular views of the wetland habitats of the island’s lagoon and the many birds which nest and feed there.
Brownsea Island is open to the public between Easter and October, with ferries running from Sandbanks and Poole Quay.
A painting from 1545 shows the Battle of the Solent with Henry VIII, centre, watching as the Mary Rose sinks
Built on orders of Henry VIII
Brownsea Castle was built on the orders of Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547 to protect Poole Harbour against the threat of a French invasion.
Fears for England’s safety had risen after a French fleet sailed into the Solent in July 1545 and led to the sinking of Henry’s flagship the Mary Rose in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the Isle of Wight.
Brownsea Island belonged to the Crown, having been seized from Cerne Abbey by Henry during the dissolution of the monasteries a few years earlier, and the castle was garrisoned by six local soldiers and eight cannons.
In 1576, Elizabeth I granted the castles of Brownsea and Corfe for life to Sir Christopher Hatton, making him the Admiral of Purbeck, but by the English Civil War of the 1640s, the castle was held for Cromwell and later sold off as a private residence.
After a serious fire at the castle during the installation of new-fangled electric lighting in 1896, the whole island was sold to stockbroker Charles van Raalte in 1901 and used for summer society parties.
The John Lewis Partnership boat Castello leaves Sandbanks jetty for Brownsea Island
The Demon of Brownsea island
Mary Bonham-Christie, nicknamed the Demon of Brownsea, bought the island at auction in 1927 for £125,000, ordered the island’s 200 residents to leave and banned hunting and fishing on grounds of animal cruelty.
A fire ripped through most of the island in 1934, for which she blamed the Boy Scouts and forbade them to camp on the island afterward.
When she died at the age of 96 in 1961, her heirs planned to develop the island, but it was taken instead by the Treasury on the proviso that the National Trust paid them £100,000 and took over the running of the island.
An arrangement was finally reached where three other parties contributed £25,000 each: the Dorset Wildlife Trust, the John Lewis Partnership and the Scout and Guide Movements in return for access to the island.
The beautiful Church of St Mary on Brownsea Island already hosts occasional weddings
Further information
Discover the charm of Brownsea Island on the National Trust website
