Photo source: Albany E. Howarth, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Corfe Castle has stood above its namesake village on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset since the 11th century, built on the orders of William the Conqueror.
It commands the only significant gap through the Purbeck Hills on the road between Wareham and Swanage.
The castle was one of the earliest in England built partly from stone rather than earth and timber.
The National Trust looks after the ruins today, and the site draws well over 200,000 visitors a year.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
Elizabeth I sold the castle out of royal ownership in 1572, when it passed to Sir Christopher Hatton. Sir John Bankes bought it in 1635, and during the Civil War his wife, Lady Mary Bankes, led its defence through two Parliamentarian sieges in 1643 and 1645. After the second siege succeeded, Parliament ordered the castle slighted in March 1645, leaving the broken ruins seen today.
Architecture
The original 11th-century structure was among the first castles in England built partly in stone, later expanded with substantial stone keeps and curtain walls through the 12th and 13th centuries.
Worth knowing
Lady Mary Bankes became known for holding the castle against Parliamentarian forces during two sieges in the Civil War, one of the more remarkable episodes of resistance from that conflict.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Corfe Castle (Swanage Railway) (0.2 miles)
Open year-round (closed on Christmas Day); check the official website for seasonal opening times.
Nearby properties
Corfe Castle Museum
View Corfe Castle Museum on heritage mapSmedmore House
View Smedmore House on heritage mapScaplen's Court museum
View Scaplen's Court museum on heritage mapScaplen's Court
View Scaplen's Court on heritage mapLulworth Castle
View Lulworth Castle on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Corfe Castle there are 2 historic properties, including 1 museum and 1 historic house, across English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Corfe Castle there are 7 historic properties, including 5 historic buildings, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Corfe Castle there are 23 historic properties, including 9 historic buildings, 6 historic houses and 4 archaeological sites, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
A Norman stronghold deliberately demolished by Parliament, its ruined walls little changed for centuries.
- Type
- archaeological site
- Location
- Dorset, England
- Visit duration
- Allow around 1-2 hours
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