Corfe 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.
Mini Timeline
| 1139 | | Corfe Castle siege
| | | In 1139 Baldwin de Redvers took the castle for Matilda. King Stephen besiged the castle but was unable to take it back. | | English Civil War Section - Under Construction | | 1643 | Aug | 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. |
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