Dorset Historical Facts

Corfe castle was the inspiration for Kirrin Island in Enid Blyton's Famous Five books.

Corfe castle was mostly demolished during the Civil War, by orders of Parliament, and then much of the stone was used by the nearby villagers.

Corfe Castle was one of the first stone castles in England.

The name 'Corfe' comes from Old English and means 'a cutting' as it is built overlooking a gap in the Purbeck Hills.

Corfe Castle was built to guard a gap in the Purbeck Hills.

Corfe Castle was built by William the Conqueror, and it dates to the 11th century.

King Charles II stayed 2 nights at Broadwindsor, Dorset after fleeing from Cromwell's troops after the Battle of Worcester. However, Parliamentarian troops turned up in the village, demanded accommodation and started looking for the King. Luckily for Charles, one of the women of the enemy camp went into labour, which gave him a chance to flee, which he did dressed as a woman.

Lewesdon Hill is the highest point in Dorset at 279 metres high. It is situated in West Dorset, near to the village of Broadwindsor and offers spectacular views through the trees.

Evershot is famous for its strong associations with Thomas Hardy, the English novelist and poet.

The village of Evershot is the source of the river Frome, which travels for approx 30 miles eventually flowing into the English Channel at Poole Harbour.