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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 besieged the castle but was unable to take it back.
1216	Jun	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.
Early Modern Period (1500-1800) - 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.