The Story of Corfe Castle, and of Many Who Have Lived There - Collected From Ancient Chronicles and Records; Also From the Private Memoirs of a Family Resident There in the Time of the Civil Wars #220657

Whatever may have been the size or construction of this castle in the days of King Alfred, it was greatly ex tended and embellished in the century next following, under the direction of the magnificent King Edgar. This splendid monarch procured from Italy workmen to in struct and aid the native artisans: it is thus that the peculiarities observable in some portion of this structure, and the perfection of its masonry are accounted for. With the queen of the last named Saxon monarch commences, what is important in the history of this castle. Edgar, who died in the thirty-third year of his age, bequeathed this to her as a dowry mansion, and in this princely residence, which her royal husband had with so much cost and care prepared for her, she plotted and accomplished the murder of his son.