Download - Building England’s Castles
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