Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle is located on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, England. The Castle is a historic defensive wall just above Corfe Castle’s village. The castle sits perched on high ground overlooking a pass over the Purbeck Hills which used to be an important corridor between Wareham and Swanage. It’s one of the earliest stone castles in England. Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century. This castle was marked as an important development from the earlier timber fortifications. Several changes in the castle reflect the military needs of different periods.
Significance in English History
Due to the role of Corfe Castle in many historical events, it holds an important place in British History. The name Corfe derived from the word Ceorfan, means ‘a cutting’, referring to the gap. The Castle became Royal Bastion, after its involvement in the English Civil War. John Bakes who bought this castle in 1635, and his wife name Lady Mary Bankes, bravely defended the castle against the Parliamentarian Forces.
The castle’s downfall came in 1645 when it was besieged and subsequently slighted by Parliamentarian forces, marking the end of its military function. Despite its ruinous state today, Corfe Castle remains a symbol of medieval power and resilience, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and architectural features. It is recognized as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Monument, ensuring its preservation and continued relevance in the narrative of English heritage. The National Trust currently manages the site, allowing public access and education about its storied past, which includes connections to notable figures such as King Edward the Martyr, who was allegedly murdered there in 978.
Historical Background
Construction and Early History
The Corfe Castle was built near England’s south coast after the Norman Conquest in 1066. Including Corfe, William the Conqueror constructed more than 30 castles in his time. construction of all these castles was a part of his strategy to establish control over his newly acquired kingdom.
It’s an ideal site for fortification, because of its position on a steep hill. A stone wall creates an inner ward that was built on the hilltop. Two additional enclosures were constructed: one to the west and one to the south (the outer bailey) enclosed by wooden stockades.
Almost all the castles in the 11th were made of earth and wood. But during the 12th century, many of them began to be rebuilt with stone. The use of stone for the partial construction of Corfe Castle was therefore unusual for the castles of its period and further showed the Norman ambition in the area.
Construction of Stone Keep
The construction of the stone keep started during the reign of Henry I (1100-1135), the son of William. The construction of the keep was started in 1096 and completed in 1105. The complexity of work can be imagined that the keep was constructed 3 to 4 meters per year. It is also known as Donjon or Great Tower. The Stone Keep is approximately 21 meters high and is situated on a 55-meter-high hill, giving it a distinctive element of the scenery.
An inspiring feature of the Castle is the construction material. The Purbeck Limestone was mined a few miles away. The characteristics of limestone like durability made it perfect for the construction of a stronghold. From the military requirement of the period, the keep’s walls were made to endure both climactic conditions and probable attacks.
Guardroom and a Chapel
Several elements make this keep special. The keep was partially constructed against the curtain wall of the inner ward, which creates a defensive structure. To the west face of Keep, there’s a building with a staircase that leads to the entrance, thus enhancing accessibility. Additional Constructions were done on the south side including the guardroom and a chapel. These 2 were built shortly after the construction of Stone Keep.
Such features of the keep, explain its dual purpose as a military stronghold and as a residence for the nobility. And yet it is an illusion because the keep not only was a direct protective barrier in times of sieges but also stored the religious and administrative functions of everyday life.
Civil War and defend against the Siege
After those constructions, Corfe castle had become a heavy fortress at the time of King Stephen’s (1135–1154). During the Civil War known as The Anarchy, the strength of the castle was tested, when it successfully withstood a siege in 1139. The reputation of the castle was solidified after the war, as a stronghold capable of defending against any military threats.
Gloriette construction in King John’s Reign
During the reign of Henry II (1154-1189) and Richards I (1189-1199), no significant construction was done. Only the maintenance works are carried out. But at the time of King John (1199-1216), a notable construction Gloriette was made. It showcases the latest structural designs, as it was designed as a luxury residence for the king. With the construction of Gloriette, the military stronghold was transformed into a royal residence.
To make a luxury place for the king, Gloriette has many additional features. It includes like great hall, private chambers, and possibly a kitchen. This construction costs a massive amount, as King John also spent £1,400 on the further construction and maintenance of the Castle. King John also had to spend plenty of money on the defense of the castle, because they conflicted with the barons.
The Reign of Henry III at Corfe Castle
After the King John, the reign of Henry III starts. Like his father, the reign of Henry III was also known for significant developments at the castle and the First Barons’ War (1215–1217).
After the luxurious constructions of King John’s reign, Henry III realized the royal stronghold needed to be enhanced. He spent over £1,000 for the renovation of the castle, including £362 specifically for the keep during 1235 and 1236. These investments were to strengthen the castle and to maintain its royal authority.
Storage, Military Supplies, and the Bedford Siege
Once the Corfe Castle played an important role in the storage facility. During the siege of Bedford in 1224, Henry III sent 15,000 crossbow bolts to the castle. This event solidified the castle’s importance as a military resource, providing necessary supplies in the ongoing conflicts.
Establishment of a Worker Settlement
To accommodate the workers involved in the construction of ongoing projects, a camp was established outside the castle. With time, the camp changed into a settlement and started reflecting the growing population and economic activity. The settlement received royal permission in 1247 to hold a market and fair that contributed to trade and the economy. This development also shows that the castle was not only built for military and administrative functions but also played an important role in the development of the community around it.
The whitewashing of the Keep
Henry III ordered to whitewash the keep of Corfe Castle in 1244. Though the whitewashing of the keep was an aesthetic feature, it was also a way of asserting authority over the domain of the king and the royal family. He was also the one, who gave the order of whitewash of Tower of London. Later on, the tower began to be known as the White Tower.
