About the Parish
Click here for a Plan of the Parish
The village of Corfe Castle is much renowned for its Royal castle but there is much else in and around the village for both visitors and residents alike. The Norman Castle, destroyed by an act of Parliament following the civil war, is nestled in Corfe Gate - a natural break in the hogback Purbeck Ridge. The castle and much of the settlement that extends south from it is built of Purbeck limestone. During the medieval period stone carving, particularly of Purbeck Marble was worked here in Corfe, an activity that, though diminished, continues to this day. The Ancient Order of Purbeck Marblers and Stonecutters still hold their annual meeting here and play football along lanes and tracks on Shrove Tuesday to underscore their traditional rights of access.
An ancient settlement site, Corfe Castle is home to an extensive range of archaeological sites from the stone, bronze and Iron ages. Information on aspects of these can be found at the National Trust visitors center (Castle View) and Corfe Castle Museum. An important site for such remains, as well as being of significant ecological value, is Corfe Common adjoining the settlement to the south. Similar historical and ecological importance is attached to the Purbeck Ridge that stretches east and west from Corfe Castle. The Norden transport interchange is an excellent point from which to start a walking tour of the village and its surrounding hinterland. Facilities for visitors within Corfe are good with a selection of local shops, tearooms and pubs; many of the latter have good views from their gardens! Quality accommodation is also widely available.
(Provided for the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Website)
A poem by Mrs Gibson of Poole
Oh for
a summers day
Birds
singing
The smell of hay
Whistling warm
breeze
Butterflies sweeping
past
Oh for a summers
day
Picnics, swimming
in the warm lake
fun and smiles
Ducks and ponies
Wishes for a
summers day make
Bells ringing
Choirs singing
Sandwiches and Tea
Lovely Old England
Where are they ?
In Corfe of course !
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