Summary
Corfe Castle, of strategic and military importance was built on a large natural mound overlooking the gap in the Purbeck Hills.
Identification Images (1)
Most Recent Monitoring
None Recorded
Monument Types
- CASTLE (Medieval to Mid 17th C - 1087 AD to 1646 AD)
Description
Corfe Castle of strategic and military importance was built on a large natural mound overlooking the gap in the Purbeck Hills. The foundations of a possible pre-conquest building were revealed in the West Bailey, 1950-52 ( RCHM 1960) and possibly either represent either a "hospitium" belonging to Shaftesbury Abbey or a royal residence associated with King Edward, who was murdered at "Corfegeat" in 978AD ( Penn, 1980). The earliest visible features of the castle, however, comprise late 11th century fragments of a hall in the West Bailey and the wall surounding the Inner Ward. The ashlar built keep is dated to circa 1105 AD and the "Gloriette" is an early 13th century courtyard mansion, with 15th century addition, which was built to suppliment or replace accomodation in the keep. The West Bailey towers and curtain wall were built in the early 13th century and the Outer Bailey defences are later 13th century. During the Civil War the castle was besieged and slighted following its capture by Parlimentarian forces.
Since 1986 a program of excavation and survey work has been carried out in advance of footpath enhancement and consolidation. The castle has over 160,000 visitors a year and much erosion has taken place, particularly on the steep slopes of the mound leading to the Inner Ward. Since its ruination in 1646, the structure has been exposed to the elements and frost fracturing and water seepage through the masonry has leeched the mortar through ashlar joints and caused parts of the ruin to collapse. In the late 17th and 18th centuries parts of the ruin were robbed for building stone. Consolidation work on the castle began in the 19th century and piecemeal repairs took place in the early 20th century but the major work was carried out in the 1960's by the Ministry of Works. They adopted a cement capping of the ruin which has proved durable to weather and visitor pressure. A further programme of consolidation was begun by the National Trust in 1986. There were also moles and rabbits within the castle which cause damage to the archaeology by burrowing and disturbing stratigraphy. Parts of the castle are overgrown with scrub, and ivy has also caused instability by penetrating the mortar between joints.
In 2007/8 during repair and conservation of the castle stonework, fragments of wall painting were discovered. A report (SNA62507, Jan 2008, McNeilage) was commissioned to assess the condition of the fragments and to make recommendations for their conservation.
In January 2017, the tumbled lower half of the Outer Bailey First Tower was cleared of vegetation to reveal details of the stonework before pointing and capping of the structure. Both parts of the first tower were the subject of a laser scan which enabled a video to be created that reunited the two halves of the structure. Traces of the NW facing arrow-loop embrasure could be seen and also a rough ashlar return visible on the NW end of the tumble could be matched with that for a latrine shown on Treswell's survey of the castle in 1586. An overhang of masonry before the latrine return suggests two phases of construction here.
The sleighting & demolition of 1646 caused great blocks of curtain wall, keep and other parts of the Castle to tumble downslope and settle on the Castle Hill slopes and in the river bed. In March 2018 a cable trench in the SE edge of North Castle Field on the NW side of the Castle hit a block of Castle tumble buried within the field and previously unknown (SY95833 82424)
References
- --- SNA62507 - Report: Ruth and Torquil McNeilage ACR. Jan 2008. Condition Survey of the fragments of wall painting in the Gloriette, Corfe Castle.
- --- SNA64176 - Unpublished document: John Wilson. 2009. The South West Gatehouse, Corfe Castle.
- --- SNA64698 - Collection: National Trust. Excavations at Corfe Castle 1988-9 - general views.
- --- SNA66072 - Unpublished document: Martin Papworth. 2015. Geophysical Survey and Excavation in the West Bailey, Corfe Castle.
- --- SNA66398 - Unpublished document: Lewis Carol J.. 2015. The Civilian Role of Corfe Castle in the English Civil War.
- --- SNA67841 - Sketch Map: James Godmark. 2018. Map of North Castle Field BT Cable Route showing location of Castle Tumble.
- --- SNA67841 - Sketch Map: James Godmark. 2018. Map of North Castle Field BT Cable Route showing location of Castle Tumble.
- --- SZA1 - Unpublished document: Squires, S. & Treasure, D.. 1989. Lawrence of Arabia's Cottage and Bungalow.
- --- SZN11531 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. S Annexe and Keep East Wall from the Bastion. 33.
- --- SZN11532 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. West Bailey and Butavant Tower, New Pitched Stone Path and Eighteenth Centu. 34.
- --- SZN11553 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1987. West Bailey Excavation. 1-24A.
- --- SZN12237 - Photograph - colour: Nancy Grace. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. Prism on Top of Horseshoe Tower Wall, Outer Bailey. 36.
- --- SZN13374 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1993. Excavation in Outer Bailey and Restoration Work on Inner Bridge. 1-36.
- --- SZN13960 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1994. Outer Bridge Excavation ( generally). 1-24.
- --- SZN14123 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/01/1986. Outer Gatehouse Excavation ( generally). 1-36.
- --- SZN14338 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/08/1988. Details of Outer Gatehouse. 1-24.
- --- SZN14339 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1989. Repairs to Outer Bailey Curtain Wall. 1-10.
- --- SZN14340 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Excavation in the Inner Ward, Inner Ward gateway and Outer Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN14584 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/06/1993. Excavation along Outer Bailey Pathway. 1-36.
- --- SZN15254 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. S Annexe and Keep East Wall from the Bastion. 32.
- --- SZN15604 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1991. Excavations in Inner Ward, Outer Bailey ( generally). 1-36A.
- --- SZN15605 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1992. Excavation at East Guard Chamber, Outer Gatehouse ( generally). 1-12.
- --- SZN15676 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/01/1986. Outer Gatehouse Excavation, Details of Keep Interior. 1-36A.
- --- SZN15827 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1993. Excavation and Restoration of South-West Inner Bridge. 1-15.
- --- SZN16484 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1993. Outer Gatehouse Excavation and the Flooding of Corfe River. 1-16.
- --- SZN16714 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/09/1993. Restoration of Inner Bridge and Scaffold Steps in Inner Ward. 1-8.
- --- SZN16894 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/07/1988. Corfe Castle from Kingston. 52.
- --- SZN19469 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1989. Excavation in the Outer and West Bailey ( generally). 1-36.
- --- SZN19470 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1991. Excavation in the Fourth Tower, Outer Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN22926 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1989. Excavation in the Outer and West Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN22927 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1992. Excavation at Foot of South West Gate House ( generally). 1-36A.
- --- SZN23125 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/11/1993. Outer Gateway Excavation ( generally). 1-36.
- --- SZN23365 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1990. Outer Bailey Excavation. 1-36A.
- --- SZN23366 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1992. Excavation at the Foot of the SW Gatehouse and Inner Ward Garden. 1-35.
- --- SZN23412 - Photograph - colour: Nancy Grace. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. Top of Collapsed West Wall from Forebuilding. 27.
- --- SZN23549 - Photograph - colour: 01/01/1870. Corfe Castle in 1870.
- --- SZN23975 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1994. Outer Bridge Excavation. 1-20.
- --- SZN26770 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/08/1987. West Bailey excavation ( generally). 1-19.
- --- SZN28850 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Outer Bailey 2nd Tower and Door Jams of Postern Gate. 30.
- --- SZN29155 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/11/1993. Outer Gateway Excavation. 1-36.
- --- SZN30077 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1988. West Bailey Excavation. 1-36.
- --- SZN30446 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1993. Excavation Along Outer Bailey Pathway. 1-12.
- --- SZN30627 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/06/1993. Restoration of South West Inner Bridge. 1-4.
- --- SZN30751 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1995. Outer Bridge Excavations. 1-9.
- --- SZN33123 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/06/1987. West Bailey Excavation. 1-17.
- --- SZN33207 - Photograph - colour: 01/01/1900. East Street, Corfe Castle in 1900.
- --- SZN33208 - Photograph - colour: 01/01/1932. East Street, Corfe Castle in 1932.
- --- SZN34167 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1990. Excavation in the Third and Fourth Towers, Outer Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN34168 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1992. Excavation at Fourth Tower/ Great Ditch. 1-7.
- --- SZN35099 - Photograph - colour: 01/01/1890. West Street, Corfe Castle in 1890.
- --- SZN35124 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/06/1987. West Bailey Excavation. 1-37.
- --- SZN35291 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/11/1993. Outer Gateway Excavation ( generally). 1-36.
- --- SZN35292 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/11/1993. Outer Gateway Excavation. 1-29.
- --- SZN37861 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. West Bailey from Butavant Tower Looking Towards Keep. 26.
- --- SZN39017 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1993. Excavation on Path in Outer Bailey, Work on New Toilets. 1-31.
- --- SZN39287 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1994. Outer Bridge Excavation. 1-33.
- --- SZN39288 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1994. Outer Bridge Excavations. 1-30.
- --- SZN40190 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/03/1995. Keep West Wall Tumble, Inner Ward Gate. 1-10.
- --- SZN42836 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/04/1987. West Bailey Excavation before Work Started. 1-24A.
- --- SZN42931 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1995. Outer Bridge Excavation. 1-23.
- --- SZN43710 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1990. Outer Bailey Excavation. 1-36.
- --- SZN43711 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/06/1992. Excavation at Foot of SW Gatehouse and Inner Ward ( generally). 1-30.
- --- SZN44177 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. SW Gatehouse and 4th Tower with "The Rings" in the Background. Taken from t. 31.
- --- SZN44180 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1991. Excavation in Inner Ward and Outer Bailey. 1-36A.
- --- SZN44181 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/03/1993. Excavation in South-West Gatehouse ( generally). 16.
- --- SZN44186 - Photograph - colour: 01/01/1890. Corfe Castle in 1890.
- --- SZN44385 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/01/1986. Outer Gatehouse Excavations ( generally). 1-24.
- --- SZN44386 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/06/1994. Consolidation of Curtain Wall South of Second Tower. 1-6.
- --- SZN44391 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/03/1995. Keep West Wall Tumble Inner Ward Gate. 1-36.
- --- SZN45292 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/11/1993. Outer Gateway Excavations. 1-35.
- --- SZN45591 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Corfe Castle EDM Survey. SW Gatehouse and Great Ditch from Top of 1235 Steps, S Annex. 35.
- --- SZN45679 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1988. West Bailey Excavation. 1-39.
- --- SZN45715 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1989. Excavation in the Outer and West Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN45716 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1991. Excavation in the Fourth Tower, Outer Bailey ( generally). 1-36.
- --- SZN4590 - Serial: K J Penn. 1980. Historic Towns in Dorset. 1.
- --- SZN4598 - Monograph: RCHME. 1970. An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset. Volume II. South-East Dorset. II.
- --- SZN46530 - Photograph - colour: David W R Thackray. 01/01/1987. West Bailey Excavation. 1-37.
- --- SZN46771 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/01/1991. Excavation in Inner Ward and Outer Bailey. 1-36.
- --- SZN46772 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1993. Excavation in South West Gatehouse. 1-19.
- --- SZN46773 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/04/1993. Excavation in Outer Bailey and Scaffold Bridge over Great Ditch. 1-7.
- --- SZN47286 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/12/1993. Outer Gatehouse Excavation. 1-35.
- --- SZN47681 - Photograph - colour: Martin Papworth. 01/05/1993. Excavation in Outer Gatehouse East Guard Chamber. 1-17.
- --- SZN6151 - Article in serial: RCHME. 1960. Excavations in the West Bailey at Corfe Castle. 4.
Other Statuses and References
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Conservation Area
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 600810
- National Monuments Record Reference: SY98SE30
Associated Events
- ENA3197 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological Excavation on Outer Gatehouse West Guard Chamber April 1986
- ENA3198 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological Excavation West Bailey April 1987 (Ref: CC87)
- ENA3199 - Field Survey, Building Recording during recapping work top of Outer Gatehouse, August 1988
- ENA3200 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation Third and Fourth Towers April 1989
- ENA3201 - Field Survey, EDM survey of the entire castle October 1990- Feb 1991
- ENA3202 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation of Third and Fourth Towers and linking curtain wall April 1990
- ENA3203 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation of fourth tower, inner ward gate & 2 test trenches inner ward April 1991
- ENA3204 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation 4th tower and great ditch April 1992
- ENA3205 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation of path from SW to Outer Gatehouses April 1993
- ENA3206 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation of Outer Gatehouse entrance and Outer Bridge Oct 1994
- ENA3207 - Archaeological Intervention, Watching brief during opening of Inner Ward Gateway Sept 1995
- ENA3208 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation in the south part of the Keep October 1996
- ENA3301 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation of SW footings of Gloriette April 1997
- ENA4295 - Field Survey, Condition Survey of the fragments of wall painting in the Gloriette Jan 2008
- ENA5778 - Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological excavation, West Bailey path & sallyport, April 1988
- ENA5781 - Field Survey, Survey of South-West Gatehouse during capping and consolidation works April 2008
- ENA7651 - Archaeological Intervention, 2 Trenches in West Bailey July 2013
- ENA7938 - Heritage Assessment, Analysis of Civil War pottery from 1986-97 excavations Corfe Castle Sept 2015
- ENA9235 - Non Archaeological Intervention, Moled BT Cable Duct North Field Corfe Castle Mar 2018
- ENA10901 - Archaeological Intervention, Watching brief during the installation of interpretation points at Corfe Castle
- ENA10937 - Non Archaeological Intervention, Finds recovered by stone masons during repair and stabilisation work at Corfe Castle, 1986 - 2023
- ENA10938 - Non Archaeological Intervention, Casual finds from Corfe Castle (HBSMR 112170) & those found at properties within Purbeck, 1986 – 2023
Related Records
None Recorded