Caring for Corfe Castle

The Kings' view platform 

The Kings’ View is a viewing platform set high within the ruins of the castle and where the royal living quarters once were.  We have been granted rare permission to erect the platform by Historic England while conservation works are taking place.  The platform doesn't impact the castle at all but allows us to offer a unique and once in a lifetime experience to visitors to help us raise funds for the conservation works. 

Visitors can access the Kings' view by booking on to a tour here:  Corfe Castle events

What is being conserved?   

 

Decorative and historic elements 

Corfe Castle still boasts many significant historic elements, including a surprising amount of decorated plaster which needs looking after.  Some elements of the castle have never been exposed and studied and the conservation works offer exciting opportunities to uncover and learn more.  

 

"We were looking forward to seeing if the Sallyport - the secure opening through the walls - is at the base of the east turret.   It is a really significant part of the castle's history and we would like to find it if we can"  Christina Newnham, Project Manager  

 

Long lost gateway

 

During the conservation works, we had uncovered the top of an arch within the inner ward, raising the question of whether this ivy and rubble-covered archway was the site of the sallyport used to betray the castle.  This area is long thought to be where Sir Colonel Pitman allowed Parliamentarian forces into the castle, leading to its ruin.  

 

In the summer of 2024, the team received permission from Historic England to lower the ground surface under the arch by half a metre. During the dig, it quickly became clear that this was the top of a sallyport leading to the inner ward. 

 

Several finds were made, including fragments of lead frames and glass from a Tudor window, likely from the Gloriette/Queens Tower, and 16th-century pottery shards, including fragments from a bright green glazed earthenware bowl 55cm (22in) in diameter. There was still plaster on the walls, with the base and skim coat both clearly visible, finished with a coat of limewash. Other finds included oyster, cockle, and crab shells, roofing slate, a sheep’s jaw, and rabbit bones. 

 

However, sometime between 1586 and 1620, a turret was added to the exterior wall, but no evidence of openings or steps was found which leaves us unsure if this sallyport was in use during the civil war. It is likely that the floor of the sallyport lies a further 1.5m below, and these deeper areas could hold more clues. One thing is certain: Corfe is known for giving up her secrets slowly… 

Replacing loose or fallen stones 

Despite our best efforts, periodically stones can come loose.  Dedicated staff undertake regular inspections where any loose stones are recorded, carefully stored, and kept safe until our specialist stone masons can restore them to their original positions. 

 

Stonework conservation 

Repointing involves repairing and replacing damaged mortar, the binding material between stones.  It is crucial to maintain the stability of the walls to prevent water from infiltrating.  Corfe Castle was built with lime mortar, and we ensure the correct mix is used through careful analysis of the existing mortar, and sourcing clay from an original quarry.  

 

Soft capping  

We use soft capping, a technique using vegetation to protect exposed wall tops. It prevents rainwater and moisture from damaging the walls while allowing moisture to escape, protecting against freeze/thaw damage and erosion. Soft capping also adapts to a changing climate, continuing to protect the castle for generations to come. 

 

Harling and hearting  

Harling is a technique involving the application of a lime mortar finish to protect the exposed internal core of the walls. Over time, this mortar deteriorates and needs reapplication. 

Hearting involves using small stones to fill gaps between the external stone layers of the wall, with larger stones at the bottom and smaller ones at the top. Over time, these stones and the mortar can come loose. Part of our conservation work is to reinstate missing hearting. 

 

Vegetation removal 

Some types of vegetation can damage the castle's fabric. Ivy and valerian, for example, can take root in cracks and crevices within the damaged walls, weakening the structure. Removing these plants is an ongoing challenge. Our dedicated staff can only reach so high, so specialist conservationists are brought in to remove vegetation from inaccessible areas, ensuring the masonry remains secure. 

Not all vegetation is harmful, however. Ivy, for instance, can be very effective at protecting the underlying stone from extreme temperatures and weather. It also helps prevent airborne pollution from degrading the stone. We strike a careful balance between removing the damaging ivy and maintaining the ivy that helps protect the castle.  

    

Nature in the castle 

The team of conservationists consult with National Trust ecologists to avoid disturbing the castle's wildlife. Important lichens, nesting birds such as Peregrine Falcons, and other wildlife like adders and lizards that call the castle home are carefully protected during conservation work.  

 

Why are the works challenging? 

One of the most significant challenges with undertaking work to Corfe Castle, is access. Perched on a hill, 43m above the valley with steep gradients, Corfe Castle was designed to be impenetrable.  Specialist contractors will abseil down the castle structures and while suspended at height will carry out the works.  There will also be some need for scaffolding in small areas.  

 

The site's sheer size is another challenge.  Most of the masonry throughout the castle needs work, from the gatehouse at the entrance to the top of the Keep.  

 

The project will progress in three phases, over three years.