Building England’s Castles

A look at some of the chosen locations and building materials, and a peek into their history

Kathy DeraitusSeptember 1, 2006

Locations of Corfe, Lulworth and Portland Castles

Corfe Castle

Lulworth Castle

Portland Castle

Map by Google.com

Introduction

CastlesLocationMaterialsDesign

Location

Military DefensesKings and QueensLords and LadiesLowliest Peasants

Show of Strength and Power/Royal Retreat

Mighty Symbol of Middle Ages

Materials—Historic Progression Hill forts of ditches and banks Timber fortifications Stone

Corfe Castle

Located northwest ofSwanage on the

Isle of Purbeck

Corfe Castle—Location

Built on a natural conical hill of chalk

Overlooking a ravine used as a main route to the inland

Corfe Castle—Materials

Local Purbeck limestone

Corfe Castle—Materials

Wall filler—chert pebbles

Wide wall structures were made up of inner and outer walls and filler material

Corfe Castle—Design

The “Keep”, or the inner tower, was the heart of the Norman castle

Corfe Castle—Design

Herringbone pattern comes from a Saxon style of stone work

Corfe Castle—History

Untimely visit of King Edward

Lulworth Castle—Location

Sits on 20 sq miles of hunting lands

Beautiful coastline Built as a hunting

lodge for entertaining royalty

Lulworth Castle—Materials

Constructed from Purbeck-Portland limestone

Quarried from Tilly Whim Caves, Dancing Ledge and Winspit

Lulworth Castle—Design

Classical appearance

Not built for defense

Built for looks—for attracting royalty

Portland Castle—Location

Overlooks Portland harbor on the northeast coast of the Isle of Portland

Strategic defensive location

English Heritage Photo Library

Portland Castle—Materials

Made from local white Portland limestone

Quarried from the Isle of Portland

English Heritage Photo Library

English Heritage Photo Library

Portland Castle—Design

Built as an artillery fort

Also known as a device fort

Henry VIII was personally involved in the castle’s design

English Heritage Photo Library

English Heritage Photo Library

Summary

Location Chosen according to needs—usually

for defense

Materials Evolved from dirt to timber to stone Stone quarried locally

Design Critical for military success