This historic landmark is Corfe Castle. Located just to the south west of Poole Harbour, and set in a gap in the beautiful Purbeck hills, this castle dates from the 10th century, although there is archeological evidence of habitation in this area going back at least 6000 years. 

The castle was besieged for long periods during the English Civil War, from 1643 onwards. At this time Lady Mary Bankes was in charge of the castle (as her husband was away assisting the King) and she (aided by her daughters and only a small group of soldiers) became famous for her stout defence of the castle, defending it by dropping hot embers and stones onto the advancing troops, killing many of them. An early example of 'Girl Power' maybe! 

She was finally betrayed by one of her officers who allowed the Parliamentary troops into the caste. The castle was then destroyed, in 1646 on the orders of Parliament. 

A view of the village of Corfe, from the castle entrance. When the castle was finally destroyed many of the stones from the castle were recycled and incorporated in buildings in the village. Its a very pretty village, with a nice variety of shops, cafes and pubs. 

You can imagine the castle being defended from these windows. Can't you just see Lady Bankes leaning out of this window with her burning embers?

Click on this link to see some more information about this railway. Like many of these steam railways around the country, they are now run and maintained by volunteers as a tourist attraction, and to preserve this part of our heritage.

www.swanagerailway.co.uk

For more photographs of this visit to Dorset please click here