One of England’s great castle ruins. In the 12th century a Norman Castle was built on the summit of this knoll strategically positioned in the Purbeck Hills. It is steeped in history. Here King Edward the Martyr was killed in AD 978. During the reign of King John it became a prison and under the reign of Edward I the castle was enlarged completed and made almost impregnable. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I it became a private residence.

The end came with the Civil War, after a long siege against the Parliamentary forces, and it was taken by treachery in 1646, after which the castle was deliberately blown up. Photo taken from the SW in July 1998. FR 266/24.