Surviving range of a 14th century fortified manor house, considerably altered subsequently. Built of roughly coursed ashlar with thatched roofs. Originally a first floor hall, but altered and extended in the 17th century. Now owned and restored by The Landmark Trust. Available for holiday lettings. Woodsford is on the Frome, between Wareham and Dorchester. Leland […]
Wareham Castle
The earthwork remains of a 12th century motte and bailey with a stone keep, last documented in 1216. The motte is 250 feet in diameter and 120 feet across at the top. The surrounding ditch, now mostly filled in, is best preserved to the south south west where it is now about 70 feet across […]
Sherborne Old Castle
Coveted by churchmen and noblemen alike it has had a long and chequered history. After two sieges during the Civil War, visitors to the castle today see it in its more recent role as a romantic ruin in the grounds of the ‘new’ Sherborne Castle. Only the Southwest Gatehouse and parts of the castle including […]
Sandsfoot Castle
The remains of a Henrician artillery castle, built around 1541, by Henry VIII as part of his network of coastal defences to protect against French and Spanish attacks. It was erected together with Portland castle to defend the anchorage between Weymouth and Portland. The castle was repaired in 1548 and again in 1610/11and bastion earthworks […]
Lulworth Castle
Surrounded by beautiful parkland with views of the Jurassic Coast, this 17th-century hunting lodge has remained in the same family since 1641. Since a devastating fire in 1929, the building has been restored externally and consolidated inside. The displays, interpretation panels, gallery and unique basement-to-tower interior reveal secrets from the past. Discount for English Heritage […]