Rufus Castle was reportedly built for William II, although the structure seen standing in ruins today is not of that date. In 1142, Robert, Earl of Gloucester, had captured the castle from King Stephen on behalf of Empress Maud. It had additional fortifications added in 1238 by Richard de Clare who owned it at that time. Around 1256, Aylmer de Lusignan obtained a licence to crenellate the 'insulam de Portand' and Robert, Earl of Gloucester, was granted a similar licence just 14 months later. It is generally presumed that Rufus castle is the site of any work that may have resulted from these licences and any remains that may date from the period exist only at foundation level, or have been lost to cliff erosion.
There is no public access to the Castle as it is privately owned by Gerry Hinde who was born and raised in Portland.

s〰️en

June 29, 2025

A visit to Rufus Castle in Portland is definitely worth it. It's a beautiful historic ruin with great views. The castle offers insight into the area's history and is perfect for walks and photos. Its clifftop location provides an impressive backdrop and great views of the sea. It's a lovely place to enjoy nature and learn more about Portland's history.

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Elevation 40 m

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Tuesday 23 December

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Max wind speed: 33.0 km/h

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Location: Portland, Weymouth And Portland, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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