Wandering with Wren - Carisbrooke Castle.

Wren enjoyed wandering around Carisbrooke Castle today.  It is steeped in English History and people have lived here since before the Norman Conquest, which seems absolutely incredible.  During this time it has not only been a home, but it has also been a prison, a fortress protecting England against invasion and a symbol of political power.  

First stop was to go and see the donkeys that go on the treadmill to demonstrate how water has been drawn from the well for centuries.  Wren missed the demonstration, but at least got to see the donkeys and the well.

The donkeys go in the big wheel and walk in it to turn it and the water is drawn up in the bucket.

Such an impressive place.

Walking along the walls that surround the castle.

The views would be even better on a sunny day.

A view of the garden from up high before she went for a wander around it.

The statue to commemorate War Horse.

Wren couldn't resist petting the horse.

Sitting on one of the cannons.

Before walking around the museum.

Always interesting to see different dolls and learn about their history.

Books about the island.

A fabulous Dolls' House.  Wren loved looking at all the details inside it.

Different childhood toys.

An old Tudor style bed.

Discovering the old staircase.

A model of the castle and grounds.

The beautiful Chapel of St Nicholas

Such an amazing ceiling.

The chapel is a memorial to Charles I and to the island's dead of the Great War, including Princess Beatrice's son Maurice who was killed at Ypres in 1914.

Steps up to the wall surrounding the castle.

It was a long way up...and a long way down!

Mini Cannons.

A farewell picture ...

Wren seems to have found a friend!