© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)
Rufus Castle is a Norman fortification located at the promontory of Portland Bill in Dorset. Constructed in the late twelfth century, likely during the reign of Henry II or Richard I, it originally formed part of the coastal defences guarding the strategically important Isle of Portland. The castle comprised a substantial stone keep set within fortified earthworks, commanding views over the English Channel and representing a significant investment in maritime defence during the medieval period. Though now ruined, the surviving stonework testifies to its construction as a formidable military structure designed to monitor and protect shipping lanes whilst defending against potential invasion.
Rufus Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002698. View the official record →
Rufus Castle is a Norman fortification located at the promontory of Portland Bill in Dorset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002698.
Rufus Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002698.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including East Weare rifle range (1.7 km), Portland open fields (1.8 km), Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery (P3 Verne), 275m south-west of Fancy's Farm (2 km).
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Rufus Castle