If you've not yet had the chance to attend one of our previous talks to find out about Dodes vast history join us Sunday 1st September with Keeper Doug.

Always been interested in finding out more about the great history that fills Dodes walls....

Many people believe that Dode was built in 1100 by Gundulf, a Norman Bishop and contemporary & confidant of both William the Conqueror and his son William Rufus. There is good historical evidence to suggest this. Bishop Gundulf is best known for building the Tower of London (White Tower) and Colchester Castle.

The author of Lord of the Rings, J.R.R Tolkien, was well acquainted with the life and times of Gundulf as he was a professor of Anglo-Saxon history at Oxford.

So, this begs the question; was Gandalf's name (arguably the most famous wizard in literature) based on the builder of Dode? The similarity to the name together with the reference to the Two Towers certainly may be more than just a coincidence!

If you would like to learn more of both the history of Dode and some of its magical, mystical stories - including the appearance of ‘the Dode Child’.

To attend please confirm your interest via the booking link.

To avoid people booking tickets and not attending, we have implemented a small charge of £5.00 with all proceeds being donated to our chosen charity for the year which is St Benedicts Church.