Carisbrooke Castle – Uncover the layers of history in the Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke Castle – Uncover the layers of history in the Isle of Wight

Ready to uncover the layers of history at a castle that has seen it all. From Norman’s stronghold to royal prison, Harrisbrook Castle on the aisle of White offers a fascinating glimpse into England’s past. As a bonus, we’ll visit a royal church built by the designs of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, a place of worship for them when in residence at Osborne House, their aisle of white retreat. Let’s go and discover what makes it so [Music] special. Sitting high on a hill right in the middle of the aisle of white, Harrisbrook Castle has watched over England’s ups and downs for more than a thousand years. For centuries, this spot has been a place of power, a key defense, a safe haven, a royal prison, and even a fancy home. We are just on the outskirts of Newport, the main town on the island. So getting here by public transport is a breeze. You can take the number 6, 7, or 12 to Cedar Hill in 7 minutes, then walk up the hill for a further 10 to reach the castle. The Anglo-Saxons placed a wooden fort to top this hill to deter Viking raiders. The Normans dug deep ditches around the old fort to make it even more defensible. And around 1100, King Henry I gave the lordship of the aisle of white to Baldwin Dred a key supporter. It was likely Baldwin who built the huge Mott and Bailey castle we see the core of today. The castle’s strength was tested quickly during a civil war known as the Anarchy. A major flaw became apparent when the water supply dried up. More on how they fixed that later. Your first impression of Carisbrook is the impressive main gate house. A building that shows off the castle’s long history. The main part is a rectangular tower from the late 1200s. It was made much stronger in the 1300s when the two big rounded drum towers were added. A direct result of the French siege threat. Look out for defensive features like arrows slit or murder holes overhead in the passage used for dropping hot coals on attackers. [Music] Once through the gate house, you enter the inner Bailey, the main courtyard where much of the castle’s daily life happened. The buildings around this space mostly date from the 1200s, thanks to the Countess Isabella Defortibus, the last of the Deredver’s line, she was quite a character. One of the richest and most influential noble women in medieval England, owning land far beyond the aisle of white, she decided to make Carisbrook her main home and spent a lot of money turning the basic fortress into a grand and comfortable place suitable of someone of her status. Her wealth allowed for big improvements, setting Carisbrook up as a place people wanted to live, not just defend. Just before her death in 1293, she sold her huge estates, including Carisbrook, to King Edward I, and the castle has belonged to the crown ever since. During the 100red years war with France, Carisbrook’s location was crucial. The aisle of white was right on the front line and suffered French raids five times between 1336 and 1370. In 1377, a large French force landed, destroying nearby towns like Yarmouth and besieged Carisbrook Castle itself. The siege failed and a popular story says it was thanks to local archer Peter Deano. Legend has it that Hano fired from a specific arrow slot in the castle walls, still known as the Hano loop, and killed the French commander with one shot. This attack led to more defensive upgrades, especially the big round drum towers added to the main gate I mentioned earlier. In the early 1500s, Harsbrook wasn’t quite so important militarily for a while, as King Henry VIII was busy building new coastal forts. But under Queen Elizabeth I, with the threat of a Spanish invasion looming, the castle became vital again, and she appointed her cousin George Kerry captain of the island in 1583. As captain until he died in6004, he held a high opinion of himself, recognizing the dilapidated state of the castle’s residential quarters. He undertook their reconstruction to create suitable lodgings for a distinguished figure. This involved significant alterations to the hall block and St. Peter’s Chapel, notably the addition of an upper story. Adjacent to the hall, he constructed a new section, Kerry’s mansion, which included 17 rooms in a long gallery. This would have been that area. However, by 1723, documents tell us that the mansion, then known as the officer’s quarters, had fallen into ruin and been demolished. quite like this. The biggest change happened in the 1590s with the Spanish Armada threat still very real. Harrisbrook was chosen as one of the few places in England to get a complete defensive makeover. Using the latest ideas, the crown hired a famous Italian military engineer, Frederrigo Janibel, to design and oversee the building of the cuttingedge trace italate fortress, or bastion fortress as it’s more commonly called. This huge investment showed how vulnerable the aisle of white was thought to be and how serious the crown was about protecting key spots, fitting Carisbrook into a national defense plan against a powerful enemy. Ironically, these impressive defenses were never used against the Spanish. Instead, the castle’s next big role was during the English Civil War. It was quickly handed over to the Parliament’s forces and used as a prison for important royalists. Its most famous prisoner was King Charles I. After escaping house arrest at Hampton Court Palace in November 1647, Charles fled to the aisle of White. He thought the island’s governor, Colonel Robert Hammond, would help him, but Hammond became his jailer instead, and the king was stuck inside Carisbrook for 14 months. Initially, Charles received decent treatment, and within the castle’s remaining structures, a great chamber still exists. This room, once the constable solar, was converted into the king’s bedroom. It would not have looked quite like this as during the later centuries the room was altered, including the replacement of small windows with much larger ones and the removal of the floor above to heighten the room. This wonderful TUDA style bed is a Victorian reproduction and only represents what some of the fixtures and fittings might have looked like. Charles stayed in this chamber until he attempted to escape in March 1648, being moved to a more secure room. A second failed attempt in May highlighted both his desperation and the strength of the castle’s defenses. These failed escapes solidified Parliament’s distrust and his unwillingness to negotiate, leading to his removal to London in stages. First Newport, then Hurst Castle on the mainland and finally put on trial in Westminster Hall and subsequently executed on January the 30th, 1649 in Whiteall. After the chaos of the civil war and the monarchy’s return, Harrisbrook Castle slowly shifted from being a military site and prison to having a more ceremonial role. It became the official home of the governor of the aisle of white, often a well-known figure. A new chapter began when Princess Beatatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, became governor in 1896. Beatrice grew very fond of Carisbrook, using it as a summer home from 1913 until just before her death in 1944. She wasn’t just a resident, she was key in preserving the castle and getting it ready for modern times. She saw its historical value and led restoration efforts when the castle needed work. In 1898, she started the Carisbrook Castle Museum to collect and show items related to the island’s history, fulfilling her wish to create a place for historical treasures. When you go inside the buildings, the medieval great hall, the adjoining St. Peter’s Chapel, and the Constable’s lodgings of the museum created by Beatrice, there are over 37,000 items offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Below gallery is the atmospheric old medieval hall telling Carisbrook Castle’s story through the lives of some of its most important residents. [Music] This is a chamber organ, one of the oldest in Britain, still working, presented to Princess Beatatrice on her 80th birthday by the people of the aisle of white. [Music] This staircase was once the private chapel of Isabella Defortibus from 1262 to93 dedicated to St. Peter. She had direct access to the chapel from her accommodation without the need to join others at St. Nicholas Church in the grounds. You may recall that Sir George Kerry modified the house adding the upper floor and repurposing this area for two rooms in the reign of Elizabeth I. This is Blue Jenny, the wooden carved painted figure of a girl from the blue school in Newport. She stood in a niche above a school doorway. The school was set up in 1771 for the poor girls of the community to improve education, provide board and clothing. The upper gallery broadens the view, showing objects that shed light on the wider history of the aisle of white, its people, places, and daily life over the centuries. A big draw is the large collection related to King Charles I and his famous imprisonment here that we saw earlier. [Music] Beatrice also took to restoring the peaceful St. Nicholas Chapel. While there’s probably been a chapel here since Norman times, the building you see today was mostly rebuilt and restored in 1904 by architect Percy Stone. [Music] She commissioned this work mainly to mark 250 years since Charles I’s execution. The chapel also had personal meaning for Beatrice after her youngest son Morris died in World War I. She commissioned the moving painting above the altar. Later the chapel became the official war memorial for the whole of the aisle of white which it still is today. It remains a quiet place for reflection and holds services during the year, keeping a connection with the local community. [Music] [Music] That is a thing that you want. The lovely Edwardian style garden next to the chapel that you’ve already seen some of was also inspired by her own privy garden that would have been in this location. Its creation in 2009 celebrates this period in the castle’s history and serves as a colorful reminder of a woman who dedicated significant time during her life to the aisle of white and in particular the castle. Now you may recall at the start I mentioned the castle water running out during a battle. The well in the keep was unreliable. One of the most fascinating and unique spots in the inner Bailey is the wellhouse. A demo was already in full swing when I visited, so I couldn’t get inside. For centuries, donkeys have walked inside a large 16th century wooden wheel, turning the mechanism that lifts buckets of water from the incredibly deep newer well 161 ft 49 m down. These brief demonstrations just a few times a day with the resident well-looked after donkeys shows how this worked. A living link to how the castle solved the water problem that forced it to surrender back in 1136. As they do so few demonstrations a day, I was unable to catch a later viewing. A visit to Carisbrook isn’t complete without climbing to the highest point, the Norman Keep. A classic shell design sits on the huge earth mound built around 1100 probably by bull winder. You have to climb a steep set of steps, supposedly 71 of them, to reach the top, but the view is amazing. Unrivaled bird’s eyee views of the whole castle behind and the rolling aisle of white landscape beyond. From up here, you really understand why they chose this spot for a fortress. It’s natural defensive strength is obvious. In front of you is King Charles I’s bowling green. Located on the site of an old defensive work called the Barbacan on the east side of the castle. This patch of grass was turned into a bowling green so the captive king could get some exercise and recreation during the earlier less strict part of his imprisonment. This impressive castle holds a rich history and we have explored much of it. However, our exploration continues beyond these walls with links to Queen Victoria and Princess Beatatrice at St. Mildred’s Church in Whippingham near Cows. For those of you that have watched our channel for a while, you’ll know that about 3 years ago, we came to the aisle of white to tour the incredible retreat of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the wonderful Osborne House. You can check out that video at the end. It covers a comprehensive tour of the estate and the room where Queen Victoria would ultimately die on January the 22nd, 1901. Prince Albert designed and helped build this impressive home. Our tour will give you a fascinating insight into their more personal lives. Just one mile from Osborne is St. Mildrid’s Church, a place where Queen Victoria would worship when resident at Osborne. This sacred space largely reshaped under her discerning eye and that of her consort prince Albert served not only as a place of worship but also became a poignant and enduring sanctuary of remembrance. It is the final resting place of several members of the royal family particularly those connected to the Battenburg and Mount Batton lineage. Got a horrible feeling it’s not open. Oh no, it’s closed. Oh dear, what a nuisance. I misread the opening times and it’s actually closed on a Saturday. Queen Victoria’s connection to St. Mildred’s church predates its Victorian rebuilding. She had worshiped in the older structure on the site, a church with ancient origins dating back to before the Doomsday Book, which had itself been restored by the renowned architect John Nash in 1804. However, the queen envisaged a more magnificent sacred space for her family and the Osborne estate. This desire for a new and more splendid church fueled a significant rebuilding project. Prince Albert played a pivotal role in this transformation, working closely with the architect Albert Jenkins Hunbert. Hubert was no stranger to royal commissions, having also designed Sandringham House and the Royal Morselum at Frogmore, Windsor. The resulting edifice is a unique and striking example of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture blending renish Gothic and Norman and Italian Romanesque influences to create what was described as a beautiful and distinct place of worship. Tragically, Prince Albert died in December 1861 before the church’s reconstruction was fully complete and it was back in regular use. Here we see the private royal entrance to the church with the initials V and A over the archway. Queen Victoria’s initial strong connection to St. Mildrid’s Church where she frequently woripped presented a conflict. Despite the provision of a royal pew in this public parish church, the intense public interest in the royal family, particularly after Albert’s death, ultimately led her to seek a more private setting for worship. By around 1880, Victoria discontinued regular attendance at St. Mildrids, choosing instead the private chapel at Osborne House, reportedly due to the disruption caused by curious tourists. A map near the gate guides you around the historic churchyard to the final resting place of members of the royal household or other highly significant relatives of Queen Victoria, connecting Whippingham to even wider branches of European royalty. Prince Louie, Battenburg, Mount Batton, and Princess Victoria, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Their daughter Alice was Prince Philip’s mother. Princess Beatatrice married Prince Henry of Battenburg at St. Mildrids in 1885 after overcoming the Queen’s initial opposition. A condition of the marriage was that they would reside with the Queen. Sadly, by 1896, Prince Henry died of malaria whilst serving in the Ashanti war. He was interred in a white marble double sarcophagus in the Batenburgg Chapel. Princess Beatatrice died in 1944 and was buried alongside him in 1945. Another reason why I hoped to go inside today to complete the loop and link to Beatrice and Carisbrook Castle. Today, St. Mildrid’s Church continues its dual role as an active Anglican place of worship and a magnificent heritage site drawing visitors from all around the world fascinated by its deep royal connections. Next time, let the rhythmic chug of a vintage steam engine whisk you away on a nostalgic journey through the aisle of white’s stunning countryside. Breathe in the evocative scent of coal smoke as you settle into the beautiful preserved carriages, ready to discover hidden landscapes and charming stations along a line steeped in history. We’ll visit Aratton Barnes, housing a delightful array of artisan and local craft shops. Wander through some vintage seaside slot machines and visit the delightful village church before picking up some lastminute treats at the garlic farm before returning to the mainland. Ending our current aisle of white series. Join us again one more time in the aisle of white. See you next time. [Music]

Welcome to the Isle of Wight. In this video, we delve into the formidable walls of Carisbrooke Castle, a site steeped in centuries of captivating tales. While its origins stretch back to Norman times and beyond, today we focus on one of its most notable chapters: the imprisonment of King Charles I. Imagine the year 1648, and the king, a prisoner within these very walls, attempting to negotiate his freedom during the tumultuous English Civil War. We’ll explore the rooms where he was held and reflect on the dramatic events within this stronghold.

But Carisbrooke Castle isn’t just about kings and conflict. We’ll also journey through the more recent history connected to the beloved Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter. Her deep affection for the Isle of Wight made Carisbrooke Castle a significant residence, and her influence can still be felt today. This connection leads us to our bonus destination: the serene St Mildred’s Church in Whippingham. This beautiful church holds a special place in royal history, serving as a place of worship for Queen Victoria and her family, including Princess Beatrice, who is interred here.

Join us as we wander through the grounds of Carisbrooke Castle, picturing the past inhabitants and their stories. Discover the medieval architecture, the charming donkey wheel, and the panoramic views from the castle ramparts. Understand why this location held such strategic importance throughout history and why it continues to draw visitors from around the globe. From a captive king’s echoes to a devoted princess’s legacy, Carisbrooke Castle and the nearby St Mildred’s Church offer a unique glimpse into British history and royal life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a royal watcher, or simply seeking a fascinating day out, the Isle of Wight’s Carisbrooke Castle and St Mildred’s Church are destinations that will leave a lasting impression.

Castle Website https://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus Service https://www.islandbuses.info
St Mildred’s Church https://whippinghameastcowes.org.uk

❤ Please support our channel in one of the following ways:
1. Subscribe and click the notifications bell.
Subscribe to channel https://www.youtube.com/memoryseekers?sub_confirmation=1
2. Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/memoryseekers
3. You can also make a one-off support donation through Paypal:
https://paypal.me/memoryseekers
4. Become a patron on a monthly basis. https://www.patreon.com/memoryseekers

⚑ Follow our travel adventures on social:
https://www.instagram.com/memoryseekers/
https://www.facebook.com/memoryseekersuk/
https://twitter.com/memoryseekers/

@memoryseekers

🗺 Web: www.memoryseekers.net Head over to our website for more photos and information about our travels.

🎹 Like the music we use?
We get it from these 2 sites below:-
Artlist.io – Get FREE additional month subscription using our link https://artlist.io/Simon-312477
Epidemic Sound – Get 30 days FREE use of Epidemic Sounds using our link https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/6a40j0/

We receive 1 free month of access for any referrals

📷 If you’d like to know what equipment we use, see and buy our latest top kit for YouTubing and Travel Essentials in our Amazon shop:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/memoryseekers
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy from these links, we will receive a small commission, but you won’t pay a penny extra.

With thanks to www.google.com and Google Earth for the use of their images.
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Visiting Carisbrooke Castle
01:11 Early Castle History
06:16 King Charles I prisoner
08:11 Princess Beatrice
08:46 Carisbrooke Castle Museum
11:23 St Nicolas Church Carisbrooke Castle
13:45 Donkey Well House
14:37 71 steps to the Keep!
16:01 St Midred’s Church Whippingham
21:23 Next Time….

#isleofwight #caribrookecastle #englishcastle