The castle was one of the most advanced artillery fortresses built by Henry VIII. It was later used during the17th century as a prison, Charles I was imprisoned here before being taken to London for his trial and execution. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870's when the enormous armoured wings were constructed which command the narrow entrance to the Western Solent. The castle is in the care of English Heritage and open to the public between March and October, with a ferry running to the castle and its museum. |