Corfe Castle’s dramatic history and one of its most infamous betrayals take centre stage in a new episode of BBC Two’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, airing Friday, June 6. This episode, part of the third series narrated by Toby Jones, highlights the crucial role women played in defending the castle during the English Civil War and investigates recent archaeological work that may have uncovered the long-lost sallyport — a secret gateway believed to have enabled enemy troops to infiltrate the fortress.
The acclaimed BBC series showcases the dedication of National Trust experts, volunteers, and specialists who care for historic sites and collections. Episode four focuses on Corfe Castle in Dorset, delving into its turbulent past and celebrating the heroic defence led by Lady Mary Bankes.
When the castle was under siege, Lady Mary Bankes was left to guard it with her 11 children, servants, and only five soldiers. She bravely resisted Parliamentarian forces through two sieges, earning a reputation for courage that endures to this day. Although she was likely absent during the final siege in 1646, her legacy remains a powerful part of the castle’s story.
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The programme also follows National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth, who returns to Corfe Castle — the site where he began his career — to solve one of its greatest mysteries before retirement. Martin led an excavation of a small archway in the east wall of the Inner Ward, suspected to be the elusive sallyport.
“The sallyport is fundamental to the history of Corfe Castle,” Martin explains. “The enemy’s capture of Corfe through this secret entrance allowed Parliament to order its demolition. The beautiful ruin we know today is a direct result of that event. Historical letters mention Parliamentarians swiftly taking control of the Inner Ward, which led us to suspect a hidden sallyport high in the castle. The archway within the Inner Ward seemed a perfect place to start investigating.”
The archaeological dig uncovered several notable artifacts, including fragments of lead window frames and glass likely from the Tudor-era Queens Tower, shards of 16th-century pottery such as a glazed green bowl measuring 55cm in diameter, and painted plaster fragments on the walls.
Whether this excavation definitively proves the existence of the sallyport or raises new questions will be revealed in the episode.
This project forms part of a £2 million conservation initiative funded by Historic England aimed at protecting Corfe Castle from the damaging effects of climate change. Warmer, wetter winters and summer droughts have weakened the ancient walls, while vegetation growth and crumbling mortar threaten the site’s structural integrity.
As part of the restoration effort, a rare visitor experience called the Kings’ View has been created. Situated high within the Keep where royal quarters once stood, the viewing platform offers stunning panoramic views alongside access to seldom-seen historic features. The Kings’ View will be open for visitors throughout 2025.
Visitors can opt for a 90-minute guided tour culminating in the Kings’ View experience (£15, booking recommended via the National Trust website) or purchase 30-minute standalone access to the platform (£5, bookable on arrival). All proceeds support the castle’s ongoing conservation.
Corfe Castle is open daily from 10am. For more information, visit the National Trust’s official website.