English Heritage

1075-1107Laying Foundations

Henry I seizes Carisbrooke and grants it to Richard de Redvers, who builds the motte-and-bailey castle.

1136Taken by the Crown

Richard's son Baldwin is forced to surrender Carisbrooke to King Stephen having supported Henry I's daughter, Matilda, in her claim to the throne.

1263-1293A Powerful Countess

The last of Baldwin's descendants, Isabella de Fortibus, one of the greatest landowners of the day, inherits the castle. She sells it to Edward I on her deathbed.

1335-early 1500sDefence Against the French

New defences are built to counter French raids on the island.

1580sElizabethan Carisbrooke

Elizabeth I makes her cousin Sir George Carey captain of the Isle of Wight. He builds a 13-room mansion to reflect his status.

1587-1602Defence Against the Spanish

To counter Spanish threats Carey turns Carisbrooke into an artillery fort. Italian engineer Federigo Gianibelli designs new defences, including five bastions.

1647-50A Royal Prison

During the Civil War Charles I is imprisoned here and unsuccessfully attempts to escape twice before his execution. His daughter Elizabeth dies at Carisbrooke, aged 14.

1692-1738Major Investments

Isle of Wight governors Lord Cutts and Lord Cadogan spend large amounts on repairs. Viscount Lymington demolishes St Nicholas's Chapel and rebuilds it in Georgian style.

Mid-19th CenturyMilitary Use

Carisbrooke ceases to be the residence of the island's governor and becomes the base of the Isle of Wight Militia as well as a tourist attraction.

1856Saving Decaying Splendour

The Office of Works takes over maintenance for the increasingly ruinous castle, carrying out restoration work under Philip Hardwick.

1896-8Princess Beatrice

Princess Beatrice, Victoria’s youngest child, becomes Isle of Wight governor and employs Percy Stone to restore Carisbrooke.

1913-38Royal Residence

Beatrice modernises the castle and makes Carisbrooke the governor's residence again.

1944-PresentModern Carisbrooke

After Beatrice's death, the hall and Constable's Lodging become the Carisbrooke Castle Museum. The castle remains a centre for island ceremonies.

Learn more about the history of Carisbrooke Castle