Martin Papworth, a National Trust archaeologist, led the dig that unearthed the archway in the inner ward of the castle. Mr Papworth said: "The sallyport is fundamental to the history of Corfe Castle.

A hidden gateway that led to the fall of Corfe Castle has been discovered. The sallyport, concealed under ivy and rubble, was used by Parliamentarian forces to infiltrate the royalist stronghold ...