Off to Newport and Carisbrooke Castle

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Newport is the Isle's market town and the hub of their excellent bus service.

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Photos

Countryside
A view of the countryside west of Newport toward Shalfleet

Countryside just west of Newport
The golden fields are canola (rapeseed) - some locals complain that the increase in production changing the "green and pleasant" character of England

Carisbrooke village and Newport town
Though not visible in the photo - Britain (North Island) was just visable

A main access road in Carisbrooke
Narrow streets and roads are the norm - driving requires a polite and patient attitude

Quay Street Hotel
Our hotel in Newport - a couple of blocks from the bus station - reasonable rates, good breakfast, clean, tidy, old but well maintained.
Appears to be a block from the location of the "Brewhouse" of William Dore (whose will was recorded in 1560) and passed to his son Isacke Dore, the building was torn down for an expansion of the courthouse.

Downtown Newport
We passed on franks because we were on our way to Frankfort - we did find two excellent restaurants on lugley Street

Roman Villa Museum
In suburban Newport the remains of a Roman Villa are preserved in a small but well presented museum

Carisbrooke Castle
A national treasure

Carisbrooke Village
Now essentially a suburb of Newport - Dores lived here too

Castle Gatehouse
Construction of the Castle began in 1100 - the gatehouse dates from the 14th century

West Wall
The thinner wall was no protection from cannon fire

Castle Yard
Overview of interior of the Castle

Castle Lodge
When King Charles I was held here in 1647-8 he was held in some comfort until he tried to escape - foiled because he became stuck in the bars of his window

Charles I
This famous bust is in the Castle Chapel

Tea at the Castle
I became fond of the Ploughman's sandwich - The Castle has a nice cafe and clean restrooms

Low outer walls
The tall thin stone walls were no protection from cannon fire so a low earthen embankment with gun emplacements was added outside the old Castle Walls

Castle Wall Pierced
Presumably the Wall was pierced in several places to provide access to the guns