Carisbrooke Castle | Magnificent Fortress On The Isle Of Wight, England

There are some incredible castles across the UK, and Carisbrooke Castle is one of them.

This is a historic motte-and-bailey castle, which is situated in Carisbrooke Castle, a village close to Newport on the Isle of Wight in England.

One of the most historic events that happened at Carisbrooke Castle was that Charles I was imprisoned here in the months leading up to his trial.

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Where Is Carisbrooke Castle?

Carisbrooke Castle sits high and proud in the heart of the Isle of Wight, the island off the south coast of England.

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History Of Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle was first built during the 12th century. It was used all of the way through to 1944, so it has a long history. It is believed that Carisbrooke Castle could have been occupied in pre-Roman times. This is due to a ruined wall, which used to be a building there during the late Roman era. 

It is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle that Wihtgar, a cousin of King Cynric of Wessex, died in AD 544 and was buried there. By the late 7th century, the Jutes may have taken over the fort. During the 8th century, an Anglo-Saxon stronghold occupied the site. A wall was constructed around the hill around the year 1000 to defend against Viking raids. 

The Richard de Redvers’ family possessed the castle from 1100 and over the next couple of centuries. The castle has improved during this period. The castle was later sold to Edward I. 

The castle was attacked by the French in 1377, but this failed, as Peter de Heyno, a local hero, shot the French commander. 

Over the years, there were significant improvements and additions to the castle. For example, during the reign of Henry I, a keep was added. 

In 1597, a modern trace Italienne fortification was constructed by Giambelli, as well as a ditch and squat rampart, which was supported by powerful bastions, which fully surrounded the bailey and old castle. This cost £4,000, with the new fortification mostly completed by 1600. 

Prior to his execution in 1649, Charles I was imprisoned here for 14 months. His two youngest children were confined in the castle after this. 

Between the years 1896 and 1944, Princess Beatrice called Carisbrooke Castle her home. 

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Carisbrooke Castle Today

Carisbrooke Castle is currently under the control of English Heritage. No one has lived in Carisbrooke Castle since Princess Beatrice in 1944. 

In 2007, a holiday flat was opened inside of the castle by English Heritage. This holiday flat was converted from previous staff quarters. 

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Visitor info:

While you are not required to book your tickets for Carisbrooke Castle in advance, it makes sense to do so because you will always get better rates online and you are guaranteed entry. You can book an advanced ticket online via the website up to 8.45 am on the day that you wish to visit the castle. 

Opening times

Carisbrooke Castle is currently open seven days per week, from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm. You can arrive at any time from the slot you have booked, and you can stay for as long as you like. Late admission is one hour prior to closing time. 

Opening and closing hours are subject to change throughout the year, so it makes sense to check the official Carisbrooke Castle website before planning your trip.

Admissions fees

If you are a member of English Heritage, you won’t need to pay for admission to Carisbrooke Castle. However, if you are not a member, there are two price points; one with a donation and one without a donation. 

• An adult ticket with a donation costs £12.50. An adult ticket without a donation costs £11.30. 
• A child ticket (5 to 17-years-old) with a donation costs £7.50. A child ticket without a donation costs £6.80. 
• A concession ticket with a donation costs £11.30. A concession ticket without a donation costs £10.20. 
• A family ticket (two adults and up to three children) with a donation costs £32.50. A family ticket without a donation costs £29.40. 
• A family ticket (one adult and up to three children) with a donation costs £20. A family ticket without a donation costs £18.10. 

So there you have it: everything that you need to know about Carisbrooke Castle.

We hope that you enjoy your visit here. It is certainly an incredible place to visit, with a vast and exciting history to learn about.

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