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TimeRef.com
  • Episodes
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    By Category
    This day in history
  • People
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    Kings and Queens of England Kings of Scotland Kings of France Kings of Denmark Emperors of Byzantine Popes and Antipopes Crusader States and their Rulers
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  1. Home
  2. Medieval Places
  3. Corfe Castle
Castle
Castle
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Corfe Castle

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 County

Dorset (7 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Norman Square Keep / Royal castle

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

Although damaged to prevent reuse after the English Civil War large sections of wall remain to be explored. Located on top of a large hill. This is a fantastic castle to visit and explore. Be prepared to walk up quite a steep slope to the keep. Uneven ground around the keep at the top. Great views of the steam trains that run regularly to the nearby station.

 Location50.6404,-2.0593 (Google Maps) DirectionsDirections via Google Maps
 County

Dorset (7 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Norman Square Keep / Royal castle

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

Although damaged to prevent reuse after the English Civil War large sections of wall remain to be explored. Located on top of a large hill. This is a fantastic castle to visit and explore. Be prepared to walk up quite a steep slope to the keep. Uneven ground around the keep at the top. Great views of the steam trains that run regularly to the nearby station.

 Location
50.6404,-2.0593
 Directions
Directions via Google Maps
orfe Castle is a ruin now, but this castle has had an important role to play in Medieval times. The date of its rise as a castle is unknown, and the Domesday may be making reference to it when it details Wareham castle near by. In 1139, Baldwin de Redvers took the castle for Matilda, and King Stephen tried unsuccessfully to besiege it. Over the years many kings have spent time and money on the castle's upkeep, including King John around the year 1200 who considered it his favourite residence. Henry III added more walls and towers and whitewashed the exterior. In darker times, Edward II was held prisoner in the castle after his abdication and before being moved to Berkeley and his murder.

Location

See Also

People

  • EDWARD (The Martyr, King of the English 975-978)
  • A .. Z List of Medieval People

Related Information

  • Why build and live in castles
  • Castle development timeline
  • Keep and bailey castles
  • Castles of William the Conqueror
  • Motte and bailey castles
  • Shell-Keeps
  • Square keeps
  • Polygonal Keeps
  • Castles of Edward I
  • Parts of a castle
  • Location of lots of castles
  • Castle construction timeline

Related Maps

  • Map of Castles

Related Episodes

Civil War Stephen and Matilda (click here)

Civil War Stephen and Matilda (click here)

The First Barons' War (click here)

The First Barons' War (click here)

Timeline

1139

...

Corfe Castle siege

In 1139 Baldwin de Redvers captured Corfe Castle for Matilda. King Stephen besieged the castle but was unable to take it back. ¹

1198

...

Gruffydd ap Rhys handed to the English

Gwenwynwyn ap Owain exchanged his prisoner, Gruffydd ap Rhys, for a castle(?). Gruffydd ap Rhys was transferred to Corfe Castle. Maelgwn extended his control over the South or Wales.

1216

June (to October)

Prince Louis advances across England

Prince Louis advanced on Winchester and captured the city and its castle. Elsewhere, Windsor Castle and Dover Castle were besieged by the rebel barons. Both castles were defended and held out against the sieges. King John used Corfe Castle in the south-west as his base of operations while he planned his campaign against the rebel barons and Prince Louis.

1643

August

Corfe Castle rescued

Corfe Castle was being besieged by Parliamentary forces. Inside the castle Lady Mary Banks with a small number of defenders had managed to hold the castle against much larger number of men outside. Lady Mary's husband, Sir John Banks, was elsewhere with King Charles at the time. Prince Maurice attacked and drove off the Parliamentary besiegers. ¹

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Selection of references used:

  • 1. John Kinross, Discovering Castles in England and Wales
  • 2. John Bowle, Charles the First

    Location

    See Also

    People

    • EDWARD (The Martyr, King of the English 975-978)
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Related Information

    • Why build and live in castles
    • Castle development timeline
    • Keep and bailey castles
    • Castles of William the Conqueror
    • Motte and bailey castles
    • Shell-Keeps
    • Square keeps
    • Polygonal Keeps
    • Castles of Edward I
    • Parts of a castle
    • Location of lots of castles
    • Castle construction timeline

    Related Maps

    • Map of Castles

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