Another trip out while we were on the Island was to Carisbrooke Castle also in the care of English Heritage.
We walked the walls but I didn't do the big climb up to the keep, all the ups and downs were not doing my knee any good - the downside of bungalow living! - they don't get enough practice.
The building in the centre is the Well House with it's wheel, in which the castle donkeys usually work for 4 minutes each day demonstrating how water is brought up from the very deep well.
Unfortunately the 12.20 demonstration had to be done by one of the English Heritage staff as Donkey 1 had done it's share of work for the day and Donkey 2 was feeling 'off colour'. The castle has about 8 donkeys but only two at a time are kept in the castle stables.
King Charles I was imprisoned in the castle - awaiting his execution. He tried to escape twice but got stuck in a window. He had his own bowling green built - so got plenty of fresh air and exercise!
A view out from the wall walk - over the carpark!
(Hooray for the Paralympics on TV everyday now for 10 days. I shall enjoy it all.)
Fantastic holiday. The Isle of Wright is lovely and you've shown many great places to visit.
ReplyDeleteThere are dozens more places we didn't go - and it's a beautiful place to visit
DeleteWhat a fantastic place to visit, so full of history (even if some of it sounds rather bloodthirsty!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder about the paraolympics - I will have to get son to tune them in for me :)
We all love a castle!
DeleteThat looks like an interesting place. It tickled me that one of the staff had to do the Donkey work.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
Luckily it didn't take too much effort for the lady to turn the wheel and bring up the bucket
DeleteWell I'm glad one of the staff got a taste of what it is like to be a donkey. It looks like a sort of treadmill set up, but I'm sure four minutes a day is no worse than four minutes in a gym! I would think they get very well cared for in exchange for their labour.
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the full opening ceremony, The background noise grates on me these days, but am looking forward to the competition.
I think the donkeys have a happy life - lots of visitors to see them.
DeleteI didn't watch any of the opening ceremony of the Paralympics - I've been stuck on a crime series from French speaking Canada!
The original donkeys did a lot more than four minutes a day, I should think. Poor creatures!
ReplyDeleteNot a bad place to be imprisoned, though.
Thanks for the lovely revisit to Carisbrook. I haven't been there for decades and it looks as though it might have become more visitor friendly (info and action).
ReplyDeleteIt was very busy - as was everywhere we went. I know I went to Carisbrooke on one previous visit to the IOW but too long ago to remember anything
DeleteI only went to the Isle of Wight on one occasion and managed to turn my ankle on the first day so my knowledge of the island is very limited. I've really enjoyed these posts, seeing it through the eyes of someone less clumsy than me! I'm never quite sure how I feel about the Paralympics. At times I enjoy them, but as someone who worked helping disabled people I sometimes feel it paints a rather rosy picture of what being disabled means to most people - there's a lot more crawling off of trains than winning medals.
ReplyDeleteas someone who has recently found themselves disabled, it has been a real eye opener to be on the receiving end of the desperate lack of facilities, the general level of treatment, and being an invisible or third class citizen. While it is uplifting to see the Paralympians overcoming their disabilities, once back in the real world they are faced with the same discrimination and indifference as the rest of us, despite the achievements and accolades. Case in point, just this week, Baroness Tani Grey Thompson who had to crawl off a train after being left sitting there for 20 minutes. Now if anyone can kick ass on this, she's the one, but why should she have to do it?
DeleteHave to hope that Baroness Tani's recent experience at the same time as Paralympics on TV will bring the problems to the attention of people who can actually do something. It's certainly about time.
DeleteFascinating history, what a brilliant day out.
ReplyDeleteIt's surprising how quickly 'bungalow legs' develop isn't it. I make sure I go up and down the stairs at Booths regularly to keep my knees going ... happily it's the café and cups of coffee that are upstairs.
I even bought a exercise step to help, not long after moving here but it tends to get used as a foot stool!
DeleteWe have a bungalow too and I take the stairs everywhere I can. Love the vaulted ceiling. Catriona
ReplyDeleteWe've got no shops with stairs and I'm really out of practice
DeleteI once went to the Isle of Wight on my own and stayed in a Youth Hostel. I can't remember where it was but it was fairly isolated and the public transport I was expecting was limited. I travelled around but it didn't really do anything for me as a place. I thought if I want quiet rural life with some good beaches I might as well stay in Norfolk.
ReplyDeleteNo quiet rural life on the IOW now - so very busy and developed. I think public transport is probably better than it was - there seemed to be green Vectis buses everywhere.
DeleteLooks like you had lovely weather for your holiday too. That castle visit was interesting. I want to watch the Paralympics but haven't been able to figure out what channel its on and what time?! I have to investigate further... ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you can find the Paralympics to watch. It's on one of our main channels here - all day every day I think
DeleteI remember going years ago, and my daughters lived watching the donkey wheel. They seemed to work longer hours then (perhaps the rep from the AssesTrade Union has ordered a reduction in labour?)
ReplyDeleteHealth and Safety no doubt!!
DeleteLovely time again seeing the area where you and family were at. The castle chapel looks nice including the ceiling. I am glad you had a good time and shared history of England that was on the Isle of Wight. Have a good day!!
ReplyDeleteThat last picture is beautifully framed by the stone. I love that. I have some of the same pictures, but with different people in them!
ReplyDeleteNow that is one gorgeous castle. Very interesting history.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Love that ceiling! Glad you had such a lovely time away with family.
ReplyDelete