Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle is situated on a hill just near Newbury in the middle of the Isle of Wight.

In 1000 AD, the Anglo-Saxons built a wall around this hill in order to protect themselves from Viking invasions. Then, after the Norman invasion of 1066, the lord of Wight decided to construct a castle within the currently assembled defenses. Soon after, Carisbrooke Castle was granted stone walls, a keep, and towers.

In the early 17th century, more artillery defenses were added to the castle, but they were never actually put to the test. Rather than keeping invaders out, Carisbrooke Castle was used to hold prisoners in.

The most notable of these prisoners was Charles I, who arrived there in November 1647. Charles tried to escape twice, but failed both times, and remained at Carisbrooke Castle for just under a year. He was housed there until September 1648, just five months before he was executed in Whitehall.

Carisbrooke Castle was used as the official residence for the resident governor up until 1944, when Princess Beatrice last resident governor died. Now it is owned by English Heritage and is used strictly as a monument and tourist attraction.

It is also home to the Carisbrooke Castle Museum, as well as the rather unusual team of donkeys used to operate the tread wheel in the 16th century wellhouse.

Carisbrooke Castle has so much history to offer and is an amazing place to visit. Explore this and other wonderful British attractions with the Great British Heritage Pass.

Planning your visit to Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle is open: