Wyke Castle

Wyke Castle, now comprising three dwellings, is a folly castle of the early 19th century, situated on Pirates Lane in Wyke Regis, Dorset. Its original purpose is uncertain. The building is constructed of coursed and squared Portland stone, with slate and lead roofs.

The structure presents a complex composition: a low, circular tower sits at the apex of an acutely angled arrangement. Facing Westhill Road, a second, square tower is linked to the circular tower by a low gabled range, and to the right, overlooking a lane leading towards the Fleet, is a rectangular block linked to the round tower by a low gabled range, with a lower, adjoining range. The corner tower (No.2) has two small lancet-like windows, one of which is a late 20th-century replacement, and a high parapet with sunk panels, above a string course of hemispherical modillions. A small chimney stack is on the northeast side. The connecting block to the left displays a gabled roof with plain stonework, containing a replica casement window, linked to the square tower via another low gabled range featuring a high, plain parapet formed with wide-spaced square brackets, and a small arched opening in the south wall. A chimney stack is on the north wall. Approximately 3 metres of boundary wall extends south from this section, returning to modern garages. To the right of the circular tower, the connecting block features one and three-light late 20th-century casement windows, and a projecting, square porch with outer and inner doorways framed by basket-handle arches. The adjacent tower (No.1) has a hipped roof concealed behind a high, plain stone parapet resting on square brackets. It rises two storeys, with small, plain windows set beneath stone lintels. The entrance door is located far to the left, recessed within deep reveals, and there are two chimney stacks. A lower rendered section (No.2A) has a lean-to roof with a crenellated outer wall.

The interiors have not been inspected but appear to have undergone considerable modification. A previous listing noted a top-lit gallery with arcading and deep embrasures within the corner tower. Despite its unconventional design, the exterior forms and detailing have remained largely unchanged since the building’s conversion into residential use.