Norris Castle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Norris Castle was designed by James Wyatt and can be seen from the Solent standing on the north east point of East Cowes. The Castle has a galleted facade with crenellations, but all of this is for show as the Castle has no defensive fortifications. The building's original function was entertaining. Despite its size it has only four original bedrooms. The illusion of size is created by most of the building being only one room, (and a passageway) thick.

Wyatt also designed the farmyard buildings that are further inland. They have the same design and like the castle itself give an impressive architectural display for a functional building.

Queen Victoria stayed at Norris in her youth, and purchased the next estate to the east.

In the second half of the twentieth century the castle was opened to the public, but sadly this is no longer the case.