Who used to read the Famous Five books, by Enid Blyton? My dad always read them to me, and I always wanted to really experience the adventures involving smuggling, wrecked ships, hidden gold and caravan holidays. Well, a couple of weekends ago I unknowingly visited what may have been the inspiration for Kirrin Castle. It isn't on an island, as the castle in the book is, but Corfe Castle in Dorset certainly looks the part, and Enid Blyton did visit before writing the series (and spent a lot of holidays in the area thereafter). Before going I was dolled up in my best English Rose gear, in preparation for eating Dorset apple cake with clotted cream and drinking tea while overlooking the castle ruins, but I was pleased that my pullover sweater perfectly chanelled a bit of adventurous 1940s children's holiday. Incidentally, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of the first book. I bought my dad a commemorative copy. :)
(my teacup matched my dress). :)
Photos by Albert
23 comments:
I LOVE the sweater over the dress, maroon is one of my favorite clothing colors, ha ha :)
And I had never heard of those books, they sound cool though! you always visit such beautiful locations
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
aah i used to read them!not just those- advnetures, secret 7, mallory towers :)
so glad you are back to uk - these days I live in leeds and work in halifax.. so let me know if you are every around!
I've never heard of those books before but it sounds so lovely that your father read them to you. Your dress definitely has a rose feeling to it, and how great that it matched your teacup! My sister is living in England now and is currently doing some holidaying around the country - I'll let her know to check out Dorset sometime :)
Yes, it is considered the inspiration isn't it! My Mum went there about 2 months ago and sent me the most excited text saying where she was and how it was Kirrin Castle and how I MUST go there!!!!!! I then got very excited too! Lucky you to go there, it looks utterly beautiful! I adore the Famous Five books and still read them! I went to a house in France recently and asked our host if there were any secret passages and she said YES!!!!!
You look just like Anne- brilliant!
You are adorable! And I loved those books too! I am writing a particularly frustrating bit of my thesis at the moment - and the idea of a castle adventure sounds like just the perfect escape!
pretty dress.. :)
Irene Wibowo
You do look like an English rose.
although i never read the famous five i was a big fan of the magic faraway tree series! enid blyton was a big part of my childhood. :)
littlehenrylee
i loved enid blyton as a child. what a lovely dress. the color is just gorgeous. the detail along the collar is so sweet. i wish i could wear sweaters and cardis, but we're just not there yet.
xo
n
Emily, it must be so incredible to make your way to these fascinating storybook settings. Your outfit is just perfect and so are you're sweet Mary Janes. Heels? Very impressive. Sounds like you have a great relationship with your dad. Such a thougtful gift. I added Famous Five to my Amazon wishlist.
I love the dusty pink and maroon combination!
-Katie
Great post! I live near Corfe Castle, so had lots of school trips there when I was younger. I was always more of a fan of the Magic Faraway Tree series but can't deny the magic of Famous Five adventures. Love the outfit too, and you always pick such beautiful places :)
Swans and Lists
your dress is amazing. I love it with the sweater - both color wise and style wise.
You looks so adorable! Great pictures!
lovely pictures!
from helen at www.thelovecatsinc.com // @thelovecatsinc
ps. enter my new international jewellery/accessory giveaway to win one of two prizes!
Great title for this post. Oh yes, Famous Five - for all its retrospective gender stereotyping, I still adored the adventures and gobbled up Enid Blyton books with gusto. Dorset looks rather fairytale-ish and you are definitely exuding 1940s charm and dashing adventure in these Picture Post-perfect photos.
You look so pretty in that outfit Emily. Love this post. I'm still envious of all the amazing places you visit!
Anthea,
Embracing Style
I don't know what it is about those green hills that I love so much, but I'm happy I can go roll around in them soon :)
I am in love with the dress and sweater combo. I need that dress in my life! Lovely pictures as always. I just love living vicariously through you. :)
@Rosalind: Yep, the family was all talking this morning about Enid Blyton and the accusations of sexism, racism and classicism that have been rightly thrown at her. I remember my dad telling me even when he was reading me the books that they were a product of the past. I love the adventures though... and the descriptions of food!
My mum kept ALL of her childhood hardback Famous Five books (she must have had something of a custody battle with her htree older sisters!) and she used to read them to us before bed!
PS: I've been offline for what feels like an age, and I had no idea you were in England! If you're coming anywhere near Bath we should totally meet up for tea and cake!
Gorgeous photos, Emily. It looks like you had another delightful day to explore castles and the countryside.
I never read the Famous Five books, but I can understand your enthusiasm about channeling beloved characters and adventures. As a L.M. Montgomery fan, I know I'll feel the same way when I make my pilgrimage (haha!) to Prince Edward Island.
Almost every warehouse has a forklift truck - the vehicle which is competent of lifting thousands of pounds on its arms and moves them. These heavy duty machines are powered by fuels like propane, gasoline, electricity etc. forklifts run by propane or gasoline fuel are found to be more powerful compared to electric ones. But the disadvantage is that they are difficult to maintain and the fuel price is high. The electric forklifts are environment friendly and low on running costs. But again, they can hardly work at a stretch for hours for a heavy duty work cycle. The first one would be seeing whether the parts of the used fork truck are in place or not. Do not compromise on the quality of forklift attachments even if they are available for rock bottom prices. 5: How many hours per day will it be used?
Post a Comment