Pictures of Carisbrooke

in the county of Isle of Wight

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About Carisbrooke

Carisbrooke sits close to Newport on the lovely Isle of Wight. In recent years this old settlement which can trace its history back to Roman times, has expanded to meet the needs of an increasing population. The village is best known for its two great historic assets - Carisbrooke Castle and the Church of St.Mary.

The castle is where the Roundheads kept King Charles I a prisoner from 1647 until shortly before his execution on 30 January 1649. Both his children, Prince Henry and Princess Elizabeth were imprisoned with him. Sadly, the young Princess was to die whilst still a prisoner, she died in the year 1650, at the tender age of 15. The castle stands on the site of a Roman fortress, its Norman keep was built in the reign of William I by William Fitz-Osborn, Earl of Hereford. The gate-house belongs to 1470 and the outworks were built when England was threatened by the Spanish Armada. There is a well reaching to a depth of over 160 feet which is believed to have been built at around the same time, it is worked by a donkey! The castle remained an official residence for the Governors of the Isle of Wight until the death of Princess Beatrice in 1944, she was the last resident Governor of the island. The castle houses the Carisbrooke Museum, an exciting museum dedicated to island life. During the summer there are lively Jousting displays and you will also see the team of Donkey's whose mission in life is to demonstrate the treadwheel in the wellhouse. Interestingly, Princess Beatrice first opened the museum in 1898.

St.Mary's church lies in a pretty location half way up a hill. It is a substantial Norman building which once belonged to a Benedictine order. The 15th-century tower is truly outstanding, it rises over 100 feet and is adorned with graceful pinnacles and turrets. It is further enhanced with rows of carved stone animals and gargoyles. Inside there is a Norman nave and arches, the south aisle shows Early English work. Both the font and pulpit date from the 17th-century. A magnificent chest with a slot for coins is from the Elizabethan period. In the churchyard there are graves covering centuries, one bearing a portrait of a prior is said to be around 800 years old. Lady Margaret Wadham, aunt to Jane Seymour, wife of Henry VIII and Queen of England, is buried here.

In its favoured position close to the head of the River Medina, Carisbrooke offers a pleasant alternative to the shore-line resorts of the island. It has an 'easy going' atmosphere, is within easy reach of Newport, and gives access to every part of the island.

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History of Carisbrooke

Recommended towns & villages near Carisbrooke

	Newport (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NE) County Town, being sited on the River Medina, about 5 miles from the sea. Despite its name, the town became the 'New Port' and was given its charter by Richard de Revers, Lord of the Island, as early as 1180... Information | Pictures (19) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
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Recommended attractions near Carisbrooke

	Carisbrooke Castle & Museum (0.5 miles, 0.9 km) The castle is where the Roundheads kept King Charles I a prisoner from 1647 until shortly before his execution on 30 January..... Information | Pictures (28) | Hotels
	Rookley Country Park (3.4 miles, 5.4 km, direction SE) .. Information | Hotels
	Robin Hill Country Park (3.8 miles, 6.0 km, direction E) .. Information | Hotels
	Newtown Old Town Hall, (3.8 miles, 6.2 km, direction NW) 17th-century town hall with no town but a fascinating history... Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels
	Osborne House (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE) It is often said, in spite of the fact Queen Victoria spent much of her time at Balmoral in the Scottish highlands, that Osborne..... Information | Pictures (69) | Hotels

Hotels & Accommodation in Carisbrooke

Carisbrooke Hotels  Carisbrooke Cottages  Carisbrooke Bed & Breakfast

	Newport Quay Newport, Isle of Wight, England (1.5 miles, 2.3 km, direction NE) In the heart of Newport, this Grade II listed building is set in a quiet street, just off the High Street. It offers bed and breakfast accommodation within 2 minutes’ walk of bars and restaurants.... More info and book online..  Price from £49.00
	Premier Inn Isle Of Wight (Newport) Newport, Isle of Wight, England (1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction NE) This friendly Premier Inn hotel is 1 mile from central Newport on the Isle of Wight, with en suite rooms, 24-hour front desk and a restaurant/pub. All the rooms at the Premier Inn Isle Of Wight are m... More info and book online..  Price from £60.00
	Lakeside Park Hotel & Spa Wootton Bridge, Isle of Wight, England (4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction NE) Overlooking a 20-acre lake, and in 17 acres of grounds, this 4-star hotel has an indulgent spa and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Lakeside Park Hotel offers a choice of dining options with pictur... More info and book online..  Price from £120.00
	Fountain Inn Cowes, Isle of Wight, England (5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction N) The Fountain Inn overlooks the River Medina and has harbour views from its al fresco dining area. It offers free Wi-Fi, a good breakfast and live music on most Friday and Saturday nights.... More info and book online..  Price from £29.00
	The Union Inn Cowes, Isle of Wight, England (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction N) The Union Inn is the oldest pub in Cowes, offering individually styled boutique rooms just a 5-minute walk from the bustling marina. It has a bar and a restaurant serving traditional home-cooked food.... More info and book online..  Price from £59.00

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