1-271-339 - Peter Thompson/Heritage Images

Corfe Castle, Dorset. View of the ruins of the castle, destroyed by Parliamentarian forces in 1646 after its resistance to their siege during the English Civil War. The oldest parts of the ruins date from the 11th century, although there is evidence of earlier fortification predating the Norman Conquest. The castle was a royal fortress until it was sold during the reign of Elizabeth I.