Ruins Reimagined

Rebuilding History, Block by Block

Xbox wanted to launch Minecraft's The Wild Update with something extraordinary — a project that would connect gaming with real-world heritage and inspire young people to engage with history. The National Trust, Europe's largest conservation charity, saw an opportunity to bring one of their most iconic ruins to a new audience.

The vision: recreate Corfe Castle in Dorset — a dramatic 1,000-year-old ruin — in Minecraft, showing both what the castle looks like today and what it may have looked like in its medieval heyday. Then open it up for players to reimagine their own versions.

Drone Data to Digital Castle

We used GPS drone data to create an accurate 3D model of Corfe Castle's ruins, which became the foundation for the Minecraft build. With historical guidance from National Trust archaeologist Martin Papworth, renowned Minecraft YouTuber Grian then reimagined the castle in its full medieval glory.

British presenter and historian Alice Loxton narrated the hero video, bringing the castle's story to life. The project launched alongside the National Trust's Festival of Archaeology at Corfe Castle itself, where visitors could try rebuilding the castle in Minecraft at live demo stations.

Watch the Build

Explore the Original Scan

Interactive 3D scan of Corfe Castle via Sketchfab — the source data for the Minecraft build.

From Server to Classroom

The Corfe Castle server saw an influx of creativity and collaboration, with over 1,200 unique players participating in the rebuild challenge. The project was covered by NME, PC Gamer, History Hit, and Microsoft UK Stories, reaching millions through press and social media.

A Minecraft: Education Edition package was developed from the experience, bringing Corfe Castle into classrooms across the UK and connecting heritage education with gaming in a way that felt natural and exciting for students.

"Grian has done a brilliant job restoring Corfe Castle to its former glory. He not only accomplished an accurate recreation of the various historical styles within the castle grounds, but also combined it with his own imagination."

— Martin Papworth, National Trust Archaeologist

"Using gaming to enhance learning is something I never experienced at school but I'm so glad that some students today get to."

— Grian, Minecraft Creator

In the Media