Relative Clauses: Corfe Castle

Advanced level gap-fill exercise on relative clauses

Complete the text about a historic English castle. This exercise contains a number of relative clauses - both defining and non-defining. Enter the correct relative pronouns in the boxes. Note: In some cases a preposition is also needed.

Panormaic view of Corfe Castle, Dorset, England

Corfe Castle is a fortification stands above the English village of Corfe. It was built on a steep hill at a point a stream runs through a gap in the line of chalk hills. The name derives from the Old English word 'ceorfan', means 'gap'.

The oldest parts, were built by King William the Conqueror, date back to the 11th century. It was one of 36 castles built by William between 1066 and 1087, some survive today.

During the English Civil War (1642 – 45), the castle was owned by the Bankes family, were loyal to the king.

At one point, it was surrounded by soldiers were fighting for the opposing Parliamentary side.

Lady Bankes, husband had gone to Oxford to join the king, was left alone in the castle with her children. However, she managed to smuggle in men and supplies, helped her hold out for six weeks.

The Parliamentary army consisted of 600 men, around 100 were killed during the fighting; the defenders only lost two.

Today the castle, is owned by the National Trust, receives around 200,000 visitors a year, many come from overseas.