Carisbrooke Castle

 One of the best sites we went to in the UK was Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight, a place known to anyone who has ever played Kingmaker. The full history can be found here but key moments of wargaming interest are:

• Successfully fought off a French siege in 1377 (hurrah for the home team).
• Rebuilt with Italian bastions in the 16th century and used as a base in case the Spanish armada landed.
• The gaol of Charles the first prior to trial and execution.

Photos from our visit.

Medieval walls in the background, Italian bastions in the foreground

The Gatehouse

There was a late 17th century reenactment group on site.  Looked like a good show, but we only saw them from afar.

Redcoats, floppy hats and big cuffs, what's not to love

The wall walk was in pretty good nick.  In the first half of teh 20th century the Castle was the home of Queen Victoria's youngest Princess Beatrice who did it up nicely. 

Looking down on the height of 16th century military engineering.

There's donkey powered well on site, with several donkeys to work it.  They weren't at work when we were there due to the reenactment event, but we got to meet a couple.

The view from the top

No need for the stair master, we had our leg workout.

Well worth a visit if you're on the Isle of Wight.  It's good place to drag the family too, kids love castles and donkeys and there's non-military history to boot.