Kirrin Island

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is orphaned as few or no other articles link to it. Please help introduce links in articles on related topics. (November 2006)

This article does not cite any references or sources. (May 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Kirrin Island is a fictional island in the Famous Five children's books by Enid Blyton. It is based on Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. The island first appeared in the first Famous Five novel 'Five On A Treasure Island' and went on to reappear throughout the series.

[edit] Island origins

The Kirrin family used to own all the land around Kirrin however, the family had financial troubles at some point and had to sell off a lot of the land they owned. All that remains of the Kirrin family's land is Kirrin Cottage, Kirrin Farm House and Kirrin Island. The village of Kirrin also still bears the family name although it's not revealed whether the village is still owned by the Kirrin family. At one stage there was a castle on Kirrin Island but eventually Kirrin Castle fell into disrepair and became an old ruin.

[edit] Island ownership

Although the island does belong to Georgina's mother, Francis Kirrin often stated that George could own the island when she was old enough, however there have been a few claims of ownership. In the first novel George's father, Quentin Kirrin, wishes to sell the island so it will be redeveloped, the castle will be rebuilt and used as a tourist destination, however this was only a ruse as the villains had discovered a map of the dungeons and wished to find the long-lost gold. Ownership was also brought up again when Quentin decided to take possession of the island to build a tower on it so he could continue his work. The tower was removed after his work was complete and ownership reverted back to George. George did also say in the first novel that she would split the island up into five pieces so each of her cousins, Julian, Dick and Anne and Timothy the dog could all own an equal piece of the island.

[edit] The Island today

Despite the last Famous Five novel, Five Are Together Again, first being printed in 1963, there has been various theories and speculation as to the fate of Kirrin Island. It is presumed that George still owns the island although what state of repair Kirrin Castle is in is open to speculation. It is hoped that the fate of Kirrin Island and castle will be revealed in the announced revival of the Famous Five.