Carisbrooke Castle Museum
Established in 1898, Carisbrooke Castle Museum is the oldest museum on the Isle of Wight, and explores the history of the island.
Believed to be the only public museum in the UK to be founded by royalty, it was established by the HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, and later Governor of the Isle of Wight. Set up in memory of her late husband, it was Princess Beatrice’s aspiration to collect and record the history of the local people.
The collection eventually outgrew its original site in the gatehouse and was moved to its current location in the former Governor’s House.
King Charles I
One of the first items to be added to the museum's collection was presented by Queen Victoria. The nightcap belonging to King Charles I, who was imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle, was said to be worn by him the night before his execution in 1649. There is also the ivory head of a walking stick used by Charles I whilst he was at the castle.
Local history
The museum holds over 35,000 items, including over 5,000 paintings, prints and drawings by artists such as JMW Turner, John Nixon and John Buncombe, and more than 600 toys and games, the oldest of which is a carved ivory Tableman dating back to the 12th century.
There are also displays about notable local residents, the history of Carisbrooke Castle and the Isle of Wight’s military past.
Visitor information
Address
Castle Hill, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO30 1XY
01983 523112
Opening times
Spring (February half term to end March)
Open Tues-Sunday, 10.30-3.45 (last entry 3.30)
Summer (April to October)
Open 7 days, 10.30-4.45 (last entry 4.30)
Winter (from 1st Nov)
Saturday and Sunday only, 10.30-3.45 (last entry 3.30)
The Museum is closed on Dec 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st and Jan 1st.
Exclusions and safety measures
Admission to the Museum is included with the English Heritage entrance fee to Carisbrooke Castle. The English Heritage website gives further details of current prices.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
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