Carisbrooke - Isle of Wight

Carisbrooke was for centuries the island 's capital and was once called Buccombe or Beaucombe, and means the ' fair valley'.

The old capital with the 12^th century Norman castle built on the site of a Roman fort.

St. Mary's Church (overlooking Carisbrooke High Street with views to the castle), began life as part of a Benedictine priory, established by French monks about 1150. The priory was dissolved by King Henry V of England in 1415 during the French Wars. Neglect over the centuries took its toll, but in 1907 the church was restored to its full glory. Its most striking feature is the 14th century tower, rising in five stages with a turret at one corner and a battlemented and pinnacled crown. Set on the tower face is a book, with two figures holding it dates from 1471. The nave and arches are Norman asnd the south aisle is Early English. The font and pulpit date from the 17^th century.