Carisbrooke is one of the finest examples of a Norman Castle. A Saxon fort occupied the site of the castle since the eighth century. The motte and bailey of the castle was laid out in the eleventh century and the keep was added in the first half of the twelfth century. The towering gatehouse dates from the fourteenth or fifteenth century.

From time immemorial, whoever controlled Carisbrooke controlled the Isle of Wight. This was because its location was an important defensive center against any invaders approaching through the English Channel. It was strategically important during many conflicts. The Elizabethan government gave the castle their main defense expenditure to protect against the forces of the Spanish armadas.

During the English civil war Carisbrooke was prison to King Charles I. He fled to the island to seek refuge from the governor who he mistakenly thought was a friend. He was received as an honored guest but later was imprisoned and after about one year was returned to London for execution.

Carisbrooke Castle’s variety of buildings span some twelve hundred years. Fragments of the Saxon wall still exist. Two medieval wells are in the confines of the castle. One of the wells, in a well house in the courtyard, has been in constant use since the twelfth century. Donkeys were used to tread the waterwheel to draw up the water. Many domestic buildings date from the thirteenth century including the great hall. There are Elizabethan and Jacobean influences from various additions and enlargements throughout the years.