Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
Carisbrooke Castle has been a central place of power and defence on the Isle of White for over 1000 years. During that time it has been a Saxon fortress and a castle of the Norman conquest much remodelled during the middle ages and under Elizabeth 1.
Most famously Charles the first was held prisoner here during the civil war shortly before his execution. Since then Carisbrooke Castle has remained a symbolic centre for the island not least as the residence of its governor.
Our stay in the castle through English Heritage coincided with lockdown and we had the entire castle to ourselves other than the 4 resident donkeys. This meant we were locked in at night and had access to the ramparts and keep 24 hours a day
Ours to look after. OOOHHH a bit spooky!
Empty ramparts with some steep flights of stairs.
The only letting accommodation is the top floor flat above the donkey's bedroom
Our sole access into the castle
Oh look who has photo bombed this image!
Statue in the Princess Beatrice Garden of the Chapel of St Nicholas under the ramparts. This statue celebrates "The war horse that the German's couldn't kill", ridden by General Jack Seely, carefully watched by Sheila.
The Castle Keep with lovely views
The moat and ramparts - a perfect place for a stroll.
No, not Ansel Adams, but often mistaken for him, until they see my photographs....
So peaceful and beautiful at dawn
Carisbrook is surprisingly big – it was increased in size in order to build a bowling green for bored poor King Charles. Here we are sitting by the famous bowling green within the castle grounds.
The famous Carisbrooke Donkeys complete with a Wellington boot to play with and there is also a football which they nudge along.
