The historic King’s Tower at Corfe Castle in Dorset, originally built in the 11th century for King Henry I, has been opened to the public for the first time in nearly 400 years. This iconic medieval castle tower, also known as The Keep, was nearly destroyed during the English Civil War but has now been partially restored as part of a £2 million conservation project led by the National Trust.
Built to serve as a luxurious retreat for King Henry I and his successors, the tower once featured cutting-edge facilities for its time, including a garderobe—an early form of an en suite—and an “appearance door” through which the monarch could greet subjects, much like the balcony at Buckingham Palace today. The destruction of the tower by Parliamentarian forces in 1646 marked a significant chapter in its history, but thanks to modern conservation efforts, visitors can now ascend a newly constructed standalone viewing platform.
From this vantage point, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the stunning Purbeck countryside, just as medieval royalty once did.
James Gould, operations manager at Corfe Castle, highlighted the significance of this restoration: “Henry I envisioned Corfe Castle as one of his most splendid royal residences, equipping it with the finest decorations and state-of-the-art facilities of the time. His royal quarters at the top of The Keep were nothing short of a penthouse for the medieval era. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s rich history and experience the unique perspective of royalty from this special viewing platform.”
This project is part of a broader effort to preserve Corfe Castle and protect it from the impacts of climate change.
Conservation work began in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2026, ensuring this historical site remains a landmark for future generations to explore and enjoy.
