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Rufus Castle

📍 Dorset, England

3.8 ★★★½ 320 reviews

About

Rufus Castle, also known as Bow and Arrow Castle, is a partially ruined Blockhouse overlooking Church Ope Cove on Portland, England. The names "Rufus Castle" and "Bow and Arrow Castle" have been widely used since the late 18th Century. It was originally speculated that Rufus referred to King William II, known as William Rufus, however more recent assessments also identify Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester as a possible origin for the name.

Named after William II (Rufus) though the surviving pentagonal tower dates from the 15th century, possibly built on earlier Norman foundations. Also known as Bow and Arrow Castle since the late 18th century. Stands on a rocky promontory overlooking Church Ope Cove and the ruins of medieval St Andrew's Church below. One of two ancient fortifications on the Isle of Portland. Scheduled Monument.