CARISBROOKE CASTLE

Isle of Wight

Without a doubt Carisbrooke is the jewel in the Isle of Wight's Castle crown.  The only major medieval Castle on the island (the other at Mottistone is nothing but an earthwork today) the Castle's history stretches back to Roman times (some Roman stonework can be seen on the photo above to the right of the gatehouse near the bottom of the picture).

The first Castle, probably in wood, was built soon after the Conquest by William Fitz Osbern. The Earl of Devon, Baldwin de Redvers, fled here during the Anarchy and attempted to hold out against King Stephen's forces, but was forced to surrender due to water problems.  It is unclear when the first stonework was added, but the style (polygonal shell keep) would tend to place it during the late 12th-early 13th centuries.

The de Redvers died out in 1293 and the Castle became Crown property.  In 1336 the modest gatehouse was increased in size by Edward III to the massive and elegant construction we see today (pictured above).  In 1377 the French invaded the island, but the Castle held out.  Even when Henry VIII began his heavy fortification of the area Carisbrooke was still the key to it all - fortifications were even added around 1597-1600 in the shape of angle bastions and earthworks.

By then Carisbrooke's days as a fortress were numbered and it's last great act was as the long-term prison of Charles I - who even had a bowling green added behind the Castle.

One of Carisbrooke's most famous and best-loved features is the well-house where the donkey wheel is still put to use - but today merely for touristic entertainment.

Carisbrooke is owned by English Heritage and is one of their top properties.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2018