|
|
|
Newport is the administrative
centre of the island and its Guildhall has a clock
tower commemorating Queen Victoria’s Golden
Jubilee. Built in 1816, it stands on the site of a
much earlier building where, in 1648, Charles I
met the Parliamentary Commissioners in an
ill-fated attempt to hold on to his throne. The
remains of a Roman villa also stand in Cypress
Road.
|
St. James's Square, Newport - Photo: Isle of
Wight Tourism |
The docks were once the hub of
commercial shipping - some warehouses still
remain. Frequent French raids led the Normans to
build Carisbrooke Castle in the 11th century on
the site of a Roman fort.
It was expanded and
strengthened over the next 500 years. Charles I
was brought here by his supporters after he lost
the Civil War in 1647.
Instead of reaching a truce he
was imprisoned and moved to the mainland’s Hurst
Castle the following year.
|
A ‘must see’ is the Museum of
Island History which gives an overview of the
island’s turbulent past, using touch-screen
computers, hands-on exhibits and audio
experiences.
|
|
[back
to top] |
|
Further information:
Newport Hotels, Guesthouses and B&B Accommodation
Newport Cottages, Apartments and Self Catering
Accommodation
Newport Camping and Caravan Sites |
