Corfe Castle |
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On the site of the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset there once stood the most magnificent castle of Middle Age England. Even in its current ruined state it is very easy to imagine its former grandeur.
Corfe Castle was where the last great siege of a medieval castle took place and it held out impressively against the cannons and infantry of Cromwell's army from 1643. In a treacherous move, Parliamentary troops were substituted during an exchange of prisoners of war, and the castle consequently fell in 1646. Due to the royalist allegiance of the owner, Sir John Bankes, the castle was ordered to be demolished, but as its current status illustrates, it was far too well built. When the
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Probably more damage was done by the locals than by the troops as they looted the site for its limestone masonry. It was used to rebuild the pretty local village which had also suffered at the hands of the destructive parliamentarian troops. Corfe Castle's ruins remain atop a steep chalk hill, guarding the only natural route through the Purbeck Hills.
Corfe Castle was begun by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century and it was completed during the reign of Henry I, who found it came in very handy for imprisoning his elder brother Robert, Duke of Normandy, in 1106.
The castle was used as a seat of government as well as a strategic stronghold and had huge sums invested in it over the centuries with a "gloriette" tower house, a great hall, chapel and chambers for the queen which overlooked the gardens.
A visit to the ruins still leaves visitors amazed at the scale of this magnificent medieval
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There is still sufficient structure, albeit ivy clad and invaded by greenery, to see the original arrow loops and murder holes where boiling water and arrows were used against potential invaders.
You may see the resident ravens which have recently returned to nest at Corfe Castle. It was believed that if the ravens left the castle it would fall, and according to local legend in 1638 the ravens disappeared and the castle was largely destroyed in 1646. Bird watchers may also see the peregrine falcons, buzzards and black redstarts which are often spotted around the area of the castle.
Corfe Castle's history continues to be celebrated by the National Trust with court jester days, castle quest activities and living history events. There is a delightful licensed tea-room where clotted cream teas may be enjoyed in the garden, or browse for gifts in the National Trust shop in the pretty village square below the castle.
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Opening Times
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(2010 times)
1st January - 28th February 10am - 4pm Daily1st March - 31st March 10am - 5pm Daily 1st April - 30th September 10am - 6pm Daily 1st October - 31st October 10am - 5pm Daily 1st November - 31st December 10am - 4pm Daily Tea-room: closed for refurbishment 4 to 29 January (01929 481332). Shop and tea-room close 5:30pm April to September. Property completely closed 25 and 26 December. High winds can cause closure of all or parts of castle. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2010 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets):adult £6.20 (£5.63), child £3.10 (£2.81), family £15.50 (£14.09), family (1 adult) £9.30 (£8.44). Paying visitors arriving by public transport offered a reduction on production of a valid bus or train ticket. Members arriving by public transport offered a voucher redeemable at the National Trust shop or tea-room in Corfe Castle |
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Directions
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By Bus Wiltshire and Dorset 40 Poole-Swanage (passing Wareham ) Cycling View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website By road On A351 Wareham-Swanage road By train Wareham 4½ miles. Corfe Castle (Swanage Steam Railway) a few minutes walk (park and ride from Norden station) Ordnance survey reference 195:SY959824 |
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Corfe Castle Postcode for SatNav: BH20 5EZ |
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