| Carisbrooke Castle (South east of Newport on the town’s edge) Open every day
The old capital of the island was started in the 8th century. This much improved (as estate agents are liable to say) property commands a wonderful view of the island from its lofty battlements. Improved in the 12th and again in the 13th centuries it was ready to imprison Charles the 1st and his children, Henry and Elizabeth, between 1647 and 1648. Charles was so impressed with it that he lost his head, but not before trying to escape through the prison bars - he got stuck, and needed to be rescued.
The castle has a 161 feet deep well driven by a treadmill which, in the 17th -18th centuries, was powered by less distinguished prisoners. Eventually donkeys where used. Donkeys now demonstrate the working treadmill. Carisbrooke Castle now houses the Isle of Wight Museum with Stuart and Tennyson memorabilia and the donkey museum. |
