Corfe Castle

Our major conservation works at the iconic Corfe Castle are drawing to a close. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the amazing teams at the National Trust. It has been fantastic to be part of this important heritage conservation project, to repair and protect this incredible historic site, and ensure its longevity for years to come.

On behalf of the National Trust, Stonewest delivered a scheme of masonry conservation. Using sensitive repairs, traditional materials and minimal intervention techniques, our skilled craftspeople preserved its historic walls and towers. Beloved by locals and a popular visitor attraction, we kept the community updated throughout the project.

Our team installed a viewing platform and stairway in the south annexe of the keep, the King’s View, letting visitors enjoy breathtaking views from the King’s quarters for the first time in 378 years. The free-standing, self-supporting structure had no invasive fixings, and used protection and softenings to safeguard the historic Castle fabric. The high-level platform was carefully designed to ensure visitor safety when accessing this nationally important, Scheduled Monument. The platform also enhanced access and understanding for ongoing maintenance, ensuring this iconic site remains preserved for the future.

Our solution to facilitate the West Bailey work was a unique scaffolding. Designed without ties into the fabric or digging into the ground, it adapted to the site’s steepness with precision. Our team removed vegetation, consolidating areas, and laying soft capping along the curtain wall (once the route from the South Tower and Butavant Tower, the oldest part of the Castle). Long before the Normans arrived, the Saxons built a hall here, later replaced by one of England’s earliest stone castles.

In the final phase, as well as completing essential masonry repairs across the castle, we focussed on maintenance of the upper sections of the walls. With bespoke scaffolding in place, our skilled team was able to safely access these areas, and carefully remove dense vegetation that had taken hold over time. This vital work helped protect the castle’s historic fabric, while revealing beautiful stretches of previously hidden masonry.

We were incredibly proud to deliver this programme of specialist masonry conservation on behalf of the National Trust, helping to preserve Corfe Castle’s rich heritage and ensure this historic landmark can be enjoyed by future generations.

Learn more here: Conserving Corfe Castle | National Trust