Corfe

The name Corfe means A cutting or pass. The name has changed little being Corf in 955 and Corffe in 1217.

Corfe Castle from the south.

This immensely strong castle stood nearly 600 years without an enemy powerful enough to attack it. When eventually it was assaulted in the seventeenth century it withstood two sieges and finally fell through treachery. The walls were mined, tons of gunpowder were put beneath the foundations and fired. The explosion must have been one of the largest in England at the time but mighty remnants survive to this day.

The Castle was built on older fortifications, we know that in 978 King Edward was murdered here by his stepmother. Edward the Martyr's body was taken to Wareham where it rested for a few years, probably at The Priory.

Stay at The Priory Hotel when you visit Corfe
Next: Durdle Door
Sources.