CARISBROOK CASTLE. the west, on a curtain between two bastions, then through a small gate, over which is an inscription, with the date above noticed; this gate leads to another flanked with two round towers. On the north side are some low buildings in ruins, said to be those where the unfortunate Charles I. was confined, and in one of them a window is shewn, through which he attempted to escape. On the northeast angle, upon a considerable elevation, stands the keep, an irregular polygon, the way to which is by an ascent of seventy-two steps: here was formerly a well for the supply of the Castle, but now filled up with rubbish. In the south-east angle is a tower called Mountjoy's tower, with very thick walls, which, together with the keep, have appearances of much greater antiquity than most other parts of the edifice. The old Castle is enclosed within a more modern fortification, probably part of the erection of queen Elizabeth. To this Castle, as already hinted, the unfortunate Charles I. was conducted, upon his arrival at the Isle of Wight; he remained here some time in reality a prisoner, though abused with all the mockery of feigned respect; and on the failure of a tedious negotiation, in which be was engaged with the parliament, who were probably predetermined to resist every overture, he was committed to close imprisonment by colonel Hammond, who was then governor. Engraved by J.Greg, for the Antiquarian &Topographical Cabinet a drawing by FWL, Stockdale. Shalfleet Ch. Isle of Wight: Publish for the Proprietors by Clarke New Bond S&I Carpenter Old Bond St Nov 1.181 |