EWX1348 - Excavations in the West Bailey of Corfe Castle 1987-1990

During April 1987 and 1990 excavations were carried out in the west bailey of Corfe Castle as part of a programme of works to consolidate the castle and enhance the presentation of the monument. Three areas were excavated in 1987; A, B and C. Area A lay 12m to the north of the south tower. Here a 9m length of wall was examined, previously considered to be part of the destroyed 12th century SW Bailey curtain wall but now thought to be an 18th century wall associated with the rector of Corfe village who lived in the north and south towers of the west bailey.Area B lay to north where the south face of the curtain wall was revealed. Here a 13th century yard was revealed beneath 17th century demolition rubble. Area C lay to the east where a flight of stone steps were to be built against the curtain wall and leading from the west bailey to the inner ward. [1] During April and May 1998 work continued on removing the 1646 demolition rubble to enable the creation of a new pitched stone pathway on the early 17th century occupation level. This work was to enable an easy route from the West Bailey to the Inner Ward and help reduce erosion caused by visitors. Further evidence for the 18th century occupation by the rector of Corfe village was revealed included a level garden area, rockery. The line of robbed medieval walls were also revealed, one of which contained a small rim sherd of abraded Samian pottery. [2] In 1989 part of the track from the inner ward to the SW gatehouse was uncovered. A new pitched stone pathway was laid on top of the 17th century level. The remains of a small postern gate were also revealed in the curtain wall between the south tower and the SW gatehouse. [3] In 1990 the small postern gate and section of curtain wall revealed in 1989 was consolidated and partly reconstructed by masons. Mortar differences within a length of curtain wall 8m south of the postern gate indicate that it had been rebuilt, probably in the 19th century. [4]