Carisbrooke Castle

Carisbrooke Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortress near Newport on the Isle of Wight, England, with stone fortifications dating from the Norman and later medieval periods. It has a well-preserved keep, curtain walls and associated buildings and is open to the public as a historic site.

The site offers walkable battlements, a restored Great Hall, museum displays and the famous donkey wheel used historically to haul water and supplies. Interpretation highlights the castle’s military architecture and its later uses as a prison and administrative centre.

Founded in the Norman period, the castle was refortified in stone during the 12th and 14th centuries and served as a regional stronghold through the medieval period. It is particularly known for holding King Charles I under guarded custody in 1647 before he was moved to the mainland.

Carisbrooke Castle sits just west of Newport on the Isle of Wight and is easily reached from the island’s main transport routes and towns.

• Date and architecture: Origins date to the Norman period with major masonry work in the 12th and 14th centuries; the site retains a complete set of medieval defensive features.
• Royal connection: Best-known for its association with King Charles I who was held at the castle in 1647; the keep contains interpretation about this period.

What to See #

• The keep (donjon): The medieval stone keep (donjon) where King Charles I was held under guard in 1647 before his transfer to the mainland.
• Gatehouse and Great Hall: Historic gatehouse, curtain walls and the Great Hall with interpretive displays tracing the castle's military and domestic history.
• Museum and donkey wheel: Carisbrooke Castle Museum and the historic donkey wheel used historically to lift water and supplies from below the motte.