The Bankes family were prominent landed gentry in Dorset, England, for over 400 years. They owned large portions of land throughout Dorset and made significant contributions to the political history and development of the country.
Sir John Bankes, portrait by Gilbert Jackson
Sir Ralph Bankes, portrait by Sir Peter Lely
William John Bankes, portrait by George Sandars, 1812
Corfe Castle is a fortification standing above the village of the same name on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula in the English county of Dorset. Built by William the Conqueror, the castle dates to the 11th century and commands a gap in the Purbeck Hills on the route between Wareham and Swanage. The first phase was one of the earliest castles in England to be built at least partly using stone when the majority were built with earth and timber. Corfe Castle underwent major structural changes in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Ruins of Corfe Castle from the outer bailey
Corfe's keep (left) dates from the early 12th century.
The south-west gatehouse, which allowed access from the outer bailey to the west bailey, dates from the mid 13th century.
Lady Mary Bankes defended the castle during two sieges in the English Civil War.
