Yarmouth Castle

Overview

Yarmouth Castle is a small artillery fort built by Henry VIII in 1547 to protect the Solent and the Isle of Wight from the threat of French invasion. It stands on the waterfront of Yarmouth, facing the western approaches to the Solent. The castle is notable as the first English fort built specifically to use the new “arrowhead” bastion design, imported from the continent, which allowed for improved angles of fire against enemy ships.

Early history

The Isle of Wight held strategic importance in the 16th century as a potential landing point for invasion. After the French attack of 1545, Henry VIII ordered new defences for vulnerable harbours. Yarmouth, a small but important port, was chosen for one of these forts. Construction began in 1547, shortly after Henry’s death, and the castle was completed the following year under Edward VI.

Design and function

The castle was a compact square structure with a bastion projecting towards the sea, allowing cannon to cover the approaches. Its ground floor contained gun platforms and powder magazines, while the upper levels provided living quarters for the garrison. A drawbridge once connected the castle to the town, and a moat helped secure the landward side. The design reflected the shift from medieval towers to low, thick-walled artillery forts optimised for gunpowder warfare.

Later use

Throughout the 17th century, Yarmouth Castle remained garrisoned, though its military importance gradually declined as larger forts such as Hurst Castle took precedence. During the English Civil War it was held for Parliament, and Charles I is said to have stayed here briefly before being moved to Carisbrooke Castle. The castle was maintained into the 18th century, but by the 19th century its defensive role had faded, and it became more of a historic relic than an active fortification.

Present condition

Today Yarmouth Castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public. The structure is largely intact, with its bastion, walls, and internal rooms accessible. Exhibits inside explain the history of the castle, Tudor coastal defence, and the development of artillery fortifications. Visitors can also enjoy views across the Solent from the gun platform, linking the site to its original defensive purpose.