Harvey took a trip across the water to historic @brownsea.castle on National Trust Brownsea Island to service the castle’s laundry equipment. He even had time for a quick tea break while waiting for the return ferry journey. Nice day for a boat trip!

Just a short boat ride from Poole Quay, Brownsea Castle, aka Branksea Castle, was originally erected by Henry VIII between 1545 and 1547 to protect Poole Harbour, from the French. Located on – National Trust run – Brownsea Island, it originally comprised a stone blockhouse with a hexagonal gun platform, was manned by six soldiers from the town, and armed with eight artillery pieces. It was occupied by Parliament during the English Civil War in the 1640s. In 1726 the castle was converted into a private residence by William Benson, who extended the original blockhouse to form a country house, landscaping the surrounding island to create ornamental gardens and lakes. The 19th century saw Colonel William Waugh take it over and he erected various Jacobean-styled extensions. A fire in 1896 gutted the castle, before being restored by Major Kenneth Robert Balfour. Stockbroker Charles Van Raalte occupied it at the start of the 20th century, using it to house his collection of antique musical instruments.

Latterly, Brownsea Castle was purchased by Mary Bonham-Christie in 1927. She allowed the property to fall into disrepair but in 1961 it was then purchased by the National Trust and leased to John Lewis & Partners, who have restored it over many years. In the 21st century it is still used by the Partnership as a corporate hotel for their employees and retired staff.