LAZY FRIDAY: CORFE CASTLE FROM MAGNIFICENT TO RUIN

Corfe Castle in Dorset, rising above the Isle of Purbeck is a thousand year old Castle – that survived the English Civil War.

But It Has Had A Turbulent History.

Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror and was a royal fortress for over 600 years.

There Was A Right Royal Murder

It was in 978 King Edward the Martyr was murdered by his stepmother. She wanted her own son Ethelred ‘the Unready’ on the throne. So she hatched a plan.

Edward was stag hunting in Purbeck Forest and he paid a visit to Corfe Castle. His stepmother offered him a goblet of wine then treacherously had him stabbed in the back while he drank it.

Corfe Castle Was One of King John’s Favourite Castles.

Between 1199 – 1216 Corfe Castle was a favourite stopover for King John.

During his troubled reign the castle was used as a prison. Many of the prisoners met their deaths while interred there.

But he changed the castle from being a fortress to a comfortable royal residence. It had a garden that grew food for the kitchen – so preparing food for the king’s table.

Come and See Corfe Castle’s Model Village

You can step back in time to 1646.  The Model Village is a replica of what Corfe Castle and its surrounding village would have been like in its heyday.

Compare what the castle was like 300 years ago to what it is like today – a ruin.

Welcome to Cor Fest 08

Corfe Castle Weekend Festival from the heart of the Isle of Purbeck from Friday June 13th – Sunday June 15th.

Events you can enjoy during the weekend:

•    Live Music
•    Fun Run
•    Teddy Bear’s Picnic
•    Enid Blyton – Story Telling
•    Great Food and even
•    A Murder / Mystery Walk in the Castle Grounds
•    And much more

What Will Happen to the Proceeds?

The weekend’s proceeds will be donated to three worthy causes.

1.    Corfe Castle Pre School
2.    Corfe Valley Sports Club
3.    Help for Heroes

Further information is available from Email: info[at]corfest.co.uk

Corfe Castle’s Opening arrangements:

Monday – Sunday 10 –6

Admission Prices:

Adult £5.09   Child £2.54

What Are The Facilities?

•    Shopping in village square

•    Dogs on leads only

•    Parking

•    Education suitable for school groups

•    Families and children Baby Changing Facilities

•    Refreshments traditional tea room (licensed)

Self catering accommodation

The Legend Of The Ravens

As with the Tower of London, Corfe always had resident ravens.  It was thought that if the ravens left the castle – something terrible would happen.

That’s what happened in 1638. The ravens left Corfe Castle.

Then in 1643 during the Civil War Corfe was besieged by Cromwell’s men.
Did the ravens know of the troubled future of the Castle?

Contact Details:

Phone: 01929 481294

Email: corfecastle[at]nationaltrust.org.uk

Eva