Corfe Castle and Agglestone Rock
Dorset Pictures
Corfe Castle and village with Poole Harbour and town beyond, Dorset. Photo taken from Kingston.
Situated strategically between two Purbeck Hills and surrounded by rich farmland and game-packed forests Corfe Castle was a royal home for over 600 years. Castle construction began in 1066 at the command of William the Conqueror.
At the end of the 12th century Corfe was home to King John who not only extended defences and facilities considerably but also added dungeons and an execution chamber where many bad boys - such as poachers in the King's forest - met their end.
Around the 15th century Corfe fell out of favour as a royal fortress residence, probably being too small, uncomfortable and out of the way.
Corfe Castle village.
In 1572 the now dilapidated castle was sold by Elizabeth I to her Lord Chancellor, Christopher Hatton. 60 years later it was sold to Sir John Bankes, a name that will be recognised by any tourist spending time in the area. The Bankes Arms pub is still a popular drinking den in Studland.
Corfe Castle entry.
In 1643, during the Civil War, John Bankes was killed by opposition forces and his wife, Lady May Bankes had to defend the castle against their siege, which she did successfully. Unfortunately three years later under siege again she was betrayed by a member of her garrison and the castle was captured. The inhabitants were released but the castle was demolished and much of the stone went downhill to build new homes in the village.
The Ballard Down section of the Purbeck Hills at Corfe and the train from Poole and Corfe to Swanage. The picture also shows the end of the superb ridge path from Old Harry Rocks, Swanage or Studland to Corfe.
Getting to Corfe Castle:
By bus #40 from Poole, Wareham or Swanage.
By road on the A351 from Wareham or Swanage; also just 10 minutes drive from Studland.
By regular train from Poole, Wareham or Swanage (photo above; park and ride from Norden Station) but also a very special Steam train from Corfe to Swanage.
By foot via Ballard Down (photo above) from Studland or Swanage or various other trails, such as down from Kingston and Kimmeridge coast path.
More sensational Purbeck Isle walks.
Just 5 minutes drive from Corfe, Studland or Swanage or a decent walk from Studland is open Isle of Purbeck heathland with panoramic views over Poole Harbour. If you're driving look out for the small layby (parking area) displaying the sign above (it's where the photo notes 'you are here'). There is a much bigger layby with fantastic views beside the golf course club house towards Corfe but hikers cannot set off from there. Golfers, of course, can.
Part of the Agglestone walk goes through the golf course; a green is visible right.
The first view of Agglestone Rock, with Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour seen on the distant left and Bournemouth to the right. The harbour ferry is behind bighead.
A hiker meditates at the rock. Next, Swanage Pictures.
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