SDO11343 - Corfe Castle, West Bailey Excavation 1987. Interim Report. Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society

During April-July 1987 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.