description Carisbrooke Castle Overview
Carisbrooke Castle is a medieval fortress on the Isle of Wight, England, with origins in the Anglo-Saxon period. The present stone structures, including the keep and curtain walls, date primarily from the 12th to 14th centuries. Charles I was held prisoner there for much of 1647–1648 before being moved to the mainland for his trial and execution in 1649. The castle features a well house with a donkey-operated treadmill that draws water from a deep well.
help Carisbrooke Castle FAQ
Where is Carisbrooke Castle located?
Carisbrooke Castle is located on the Isle of Wight, off the southern coast of England. It has served as the island's primary defensive fortress since the medieval period and is managed today by English Heritage.
Was King Charles I really imprisoned at Carisbrooke Castle?
Yes, Charles I was held prisoner at Carisbrooke Castle from November 1647 until shortly before his trial and execution in 1649, during the English Civil War. He attempted to escape at least twice during his imprisonment, and his confinement there is one of the castle's most famous historical events.
Can you visit Carisbrooke Castle today?
Yes, Carisbrooke Castle is open to the public and managed by English Heritage. Visitors can explore the castle keep, the museum, and the well house where the famous Carisbrooke donkeys still demonstrate drawing water from the deep well.
What are the Carisbrooke Castle donkeys?
The Carisbrooke Castle donkeys are a long-standing tradition at the castle, where they have been used for centuries to draw water from the castle's approximately 160-foot-deep well using a large treadwheel. Today, the donkeys continue to demonstrate this historical process for visitors as part of the castle's educational programming.
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