I created this digital art print from my original photograph of Corfe Castle to give this iconic Dorset landmark a timeless, enduring appearance — a moment of history captured forever. Corfe Castle’s story stretches back to the 11th century, when it was founded soon after the Norman Conquest as a royal fortress dominating the Purbeck hills and protecting key routes through southern England. It served monarchs from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth I, evolving from military stronghold to grand residence before passing into private hands. During the English Civil War in the 1640s, the castle was a staunch Royalist stronghold, defended with remarkable courage by Lady Mary Bankes through multiple sieges. Ultimately it was betrayed and, under orders from Parliament, deliberately “slighted” — its walls blown up to prevent future military use — leaving the evocative ruins that stand high above the village today.