Rufus Castle

Rufus Castle on Portland in Dorset is a distinctive fortification built largely during the 15th century, with possible earlier origins dating to the time of William the Conqueror. The castle takes the form of a pentagon constructed of Portland stone with walls seven feet thick, pierced by numerous circular gunports and loopholes that earned it the nickname 'Bow and Arrow Castle' for its archer-firing capabilities. A licence granted in 1257 to strengthen Portland with stone and crenellate it as a castle indicates medieval development, but the existing structure dates primarily from the late 15th century, making it Portland's oldest castle. Though privately owned and not directly accessible to the public, Rufus Castle can be viewed from an adjacent public footpath, offering visitors a glimpse of this remarkable example of medieval military engineering and stone construction.