Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is an imposing fortification on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula in Dorset. It was built by William the Conqueror and dates to the 11th century with major structural changes taking place in the 12th and 14th centuries.

The castle's connection to the St.John family came about when Henry VII was crowned King and granted Corfe to his mother, their cousin, Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond. Margaret was the daughter of the Duke of Somerset whose family had previously owned the Corfe estate. She survived her son by only one year and on her death in the first year of the reign of Henry VIII the castle again reverted to the Crown.

Corfe Castle is a major visitor attraction, cared for by The National Trust.