| Location | Purbeck, County of Dorset, England (Google Maps) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | The National Trust |
| Official Website | Corfe Castle |
| Rooms Available | No |
Built shortly after the Norman conquest of 1066, Corfe Castle is a magnificent ruin castle located halfway between Wareham and Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. A peaceful timeless aura pervades the castle grounds and environment, making it a particular spot for picnics and family outings.
Corfe Castle History
Corfe Castle history has been filled with twists & turns and ends with a tragic ending. Its present structure was built by William the Conqueror around 1066. The site is historically significant as it was where Edward the Martyr was murdered in 978. The original structure was a Norman tower-and-keep design which was later extended along the lines established in the late 12th Century at Chateau Gaillard.
The destruction of this castle and the cause of its present ruined state came with the English Civil War. Post surviving a siege in 1643, the castle fell to another one and was later slighted or intentionally damaged by the Parliamentarians.
The castle is open to the public and remains under ‘The National Trust’s supervision.
Corfe Castle’s Interesting Facts
Some of this Castle’s interesting facts include:
- The Castle’s role as a military base is echoed in its hidden features, including murder holes, fallen walls, and arrow loops.
- Corfe Castle inspired the children’s books writer Enid Blyton, who used it as the basis for her Kirrin Island in the ‘Famous Five’ books.
- The palace became home to William’s son, who became King Henry I.
Corfe Castle Nearby Places to Stay
There are many places to stay if you visit Corfe Castle, like the Bankes Arms, a 16th-century Grade 2 listed Manor House with a bar and a restaurant set in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside and is closest to this Castle. Another place to stay is Norden Farm, a family-run touring caravan and camping site on a working farm outside this Castle on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset. The Dorset Cottage Holidays is perfect if you visit with your family. It is a family-run agency offering an extensive list of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages across Dorset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Corfe Castle?
Corfe Castle was gifted to the National Trust in 1982 by the Bankes family and large parts of Corfe Village and other lands and mansions in Purbeck.
How did Corfe Castle get destroyed?
Corfe Castle was blown up in 1646 by the Parliamentarians under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell at the end of the English Civil War war.
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
