Pictures of England

Search:

Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Penzance in Cornwall

Penzance

a Seaside Town in the county of Cornwall

Pictures of Carisbrooke

in the county of Isle of Wight

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.

Recommended towns & villages near Carisbrooke

Altar window in St.Thomas's Church

Newport (21 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NE of Carisbrooke)

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...

Alum Bay

Cowes (52 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction N of Carisbrooke)

The most famous yachting resort in the world. Cowes dates back to Tudor times and is divided in two by the River Medina, creating East and West Cowes..

Lovely Cottage

Godshill (91 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction SE of Carisbrooke)

This is a gorgeous little spot which makes an ideal 'away from the crowds' location in which to sample peaceful Island life...

Ryde Marina and Harbour

Ryde (41 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction E of Carisbrooke)

One of the Island's most popular resorts and is situated on the north-east coast. The town is the first port of call from the mainland on the south-east side...

Near Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Yarmouth (27 Pictures) in the county of Isle of Wight

(7.6 miles, 12.3 km, direction W of Carisbrooke)

A lovely old town with a pleasant deepwater harbour. Yarmouth, with its 'olde worlde' charm is definitely one of the jewels of this enchanting island resort...

All towns & villages in Isle of Wight
Complete A to Z of towns & villages in England

Nearby attractions..

Carisbrooke Castle looking inwards

Carisbrooke Castle & Museum (28 Pictures)

(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.....

Osborne House. Isle of Wight

Osborne House (73 Pictures)

(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.....

Quarr, Old Abbey ruins

Quarr Abbey (4 Pictures)

(6.0 miles, 9.7 km, direction NE)

The ruins of Quarr Abbey can be found close to the entrance of Wooten Creek, a pretty waterway used by small fishing boats and.....

Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall, Isle of Wight

Appuldurcombe House (3 Pictures)

(6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction SE)

This marvellous, romantic ruin was once one of the finest 18th century mansions on the Isle of Wight. The building, in a.....

Brading Roman Villa exterior

Brading Roman Villa (13 Pictures)

(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction E)

..

Exbury gardens, Exbury, Hampshire

Exbury Gardens (64 Pictures)

(7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction NW)

This is a spectacular garden hidden in pleasant countryside overlooking the Beaulieu River in the New Forest. The.....

Yarmouth Castle, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Yarmouth Castle (5 Pictures)

(7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction W)

This was the last great castle built as part of Henry VIII's fortifications against invasion of Britain by the French. .....


All attractions in Carisbrooke
All attractions in Isle of Wight
Complete A to Z of attractions in England