Corfe Castle

Beautifully situated between two ranges of hills, Corfe is dominated by the ruins of the medieval Norman Castle, after which it is named. Much of the present day village was built in the 1700's to a high standard of craftsmanship, with old streets being lined with stone cottages enabling it to retain a remarkable unity and a picturesque quality.

This has made it a unique setting for several historical feature films. It was here on the 15 April 975 that a plot to assassinate the 17 year old King Edward came to its dreadful conclusion, the Saxon King, Later to be known as Edward the Martyr, was stabbed to death on the orders of his step-mother.

Due to its inacessability the Castle became the ideal location to stash treasure, and political prisoners. Even as early as 1106 the site was a great fortress and state prison. Along with its history Corfe’s residents (population 1,429, census 2001) have a real sense of community, which is no better illustrated than when driving through the village Christmas lights which decorate all the cottages surrounding the castle. The Village has numerous local shops, a sub Post Office, school, Parish Church and Inns. It also lies on the volunteer run Swanage Raliway line running between Swanage and Norden.