Yarmouth Castle, Yarmouth, United Kingdom

Yarmouth Castle is an artillery fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight from the threat of French attack. Just under 30 m across, the square castle was initially equipped with 15 artillery guns and a garrison of 20 men. It featured an Italianate 'arrow-head' bastion on its landward side; this was very different in style from the earlier circular bastions used in the Device Forts built by Henry and was the first of its kind to be constructed in England.

During the 16th and 17th centuries the castle continued to be maintained and modified; the seaward half of the castle was turned into a solid gun platform and additional accommodation was built for the fort's gunners. A bulwark was built on the east side of the castle and an additional gun battery was placed on the town's quay, just to the west. For most of the English Civil War of the 1640s it was held by Parliament; following the Restoration, it was refortified by Charles II in the 1670s.

The fortification remained in use through the 18th and 19th centuries, albeit with a smaller garrison and fewer guns, until in 1885 these were finally withdrawn. After a short period as a coast guard signalling post, the castle was brought back into military use during the First and Second World Wars. In the 21st century, the heritage organisation English Heritage operates the castle as a tourist attraction.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Tali Mbangwa (4 years ago)
Lovely little place. Guide was helpful and knowledgeable.

Nick Nugent (4 years ago)
A compact castle, originating around 1547 when Henry VIII had lost his flagship Mary Rose and was feeling particularly vulnerable to attack by France. Shows a unique example of an arrowhead bastion and is a very interesting way to spend an hour, particularly with the extra information provided by Sarah, a knowledgeable guide. Recommended

Simon Mesure (4 years ago)
What can I say,the Isle of Wight is well with a visit. If you go by car need to stay for a week. If by foot 2 weeks. Is a lovely place and mostly people are lovely. Go and say hello to Jim Hendrix ?? I did, and took some snaps of the God of rock.

Luca Morton (4 years ago)
Good place but old castle haven't been there yet but looks nice

Nunzi Iula (4 years ago)
Beautiful location Yarmouth has so much to offer small outlets all owned by friendly people the pier for a nice sea view walk gossips cafe for a quick bite ice cream sold at the beginning of the pier the harbour is full of very impressive boats the bugal Inn pub for an amazing meal and sometimes night entertainment on the Rock for steak on a hot lava stone and try not to burn your fingers the George Hotel for a very pleasant evening in the garden all lite up the blue crab for an impressive fish and chips in or out the list goes on for things to see do eat so come see and enjoy what Yarmouth has to offer

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