A few miles south of Osborne House is the island's capital, Newport, and 11th-century Carisbrooke Castle. The best-preserved Norman castle in the country, it provides spectacular views for those who climb to the top of the keep. A less enthusiastic visitor, Charles I, was held hostage here by Oliver Cromwell in 1647 pending execution: His attempt to escape was foiled when he got stuck between the iron window bars.