*CORFE-CASTLE, (Dorset) in the middle of the Isle of Purbeck, 93 cm. 116 mm. from London, has its name from a castle,
supposed to have been built by K. Edgar, who kept his court here; and it being a royal demesne, great privileges have been
granted to it by him, and others of our monarchs. It has a large lofty Ch. which is a royal peculiar, exempt from
episcopal jurisdiction, or visitation. It was a Bor. by prescription; but incorporated by Q. Eliz. and afterwards by Cha.
II. with the stile of mayor and barons, having the same privileges, as the Cinque-Ports; and this, in particular, that the
chief members, especially those who have been mayors, are called barons. The mayor, as is also his predecessor, is a
justice of peace, can hold sessions, choose coroners for life, counsellors, ale-tasters, &c. which were privileges granted
by K. Cha. I. as a reward for the noble defence the castle made for him. This manor was granted by Edw. VI. to his uncle
the D. of Somerset; on whose attainder, it reverted to the crown; but Q. Eliz. disposed of it to Chr. Hatton, Esq; to
whose interest, it is said, this T. is indebted, for the privilege of sending members to Pt. In the R. of Cha. I. it was
sold to Ld. Ch. Just. Banks, who repaired the castle, and made it a garrison for the K. but it was betrayed to the Pt's.
forces, who demolished it. It appears, that the circumference was near half a mile, by the ruins of the walls, which,
standing on an high eminence, are visible a great way. Here is a Mt. on Th. and Fairs on May-day and St. Luke's-day.