Isle of Wight–Sunday

Blue sky! Yippee.

Today we will explore our castle. I have taken lots of photos, so apologies in advance,,,

As we are here alone  we are provided with torches and if you like you can go out and wander around at night. Although a bit spooky for my taste… and too cold.

Below:- we can bring our car in at night, but it has to go out to the carpark before the Castle opens for the public at 10:00am.

Carisbrooke has been a central place of power and defence on the Isle of Wight for over 1,000 years. During that time it has been a Saxon fortress and a castle of the Norman conquest, much remodelled during the Middle Ages and under Elizabeth I. Most famously, Charles I was held prisoner here during the Civil War, shortly before his execution. (English Heritage)

We got to go out on our own before opening time and explore.

We are introduced to the castle by a cartoon starring a donkey called Jupiter.

Sounds a bit like the donkey from Shrek,….

but actually voiced by the comedian Phil Jupitus who was born in nearby Newport.

We look at the keep from our kitchen.

And below is a photo of our flat taken from the keep. Its called the Bowling Green apartment as it is beside the bowling green built for Charles the 1st while he was in exile here.

Okay, now to the Donkeys.

There have been donkeys here for 100’s of years. They use them for turning the wheel that brings up the water from the wheel.

Here is Jack still in his bed and below he is doing his show. Every donkey has had a name stating with J. That's because Charles I signed  his secret letters with a J… or so they say…

We are informed that the donkeys have a employment contract that states that they are only required to work for six minutes a day, and then only if they want to… Really, what a life!

Above- a postcard with one of Jacks predecessors.

I’ve noticed a trend of places having a ‘mascot’..

The Royal Pavilion had ‘George the Pavilion cat’ Book and soft toy available in the gift shop.

The Mary Rose Museum had ‘Hatch’ the dog. He of the skeletal remains as featured in a previous post. Soft toy and book available in the gift shop.

Carisbrooke Castle has its donkeys, soft toys, book, tea towel and fridge magnets available in the gift shop. (Edie, I’ve got you a tiny donkey)