100 Treasures and Curiosities
From the collection of Carisbrooke Castle Museum
Established by Princess Beatrice in 1898, the museum was intended to be ‘a treasury of objects illustrative of the history of the island’. In the 125 years since, the museum’s collection has constantly grown and developed and now comprises over 35,000 objects ranging from the everyday to the exotic, from utilitarian to pure novelty. Today, Carisbrooke Castle Museum is a charity-run independent accredited museum and remains dedicated to the Island’s rich and varied history.
DR RACHEL TAIT was prevously the Curator at Carisbrooke Castle Museum. She was born and brought up on the Isle of Wight before studying History of Art at the University of Bristol. Since returning to the Island, she has worked in a number of local museums, joining Carisbrooke Castle Museum in 2016 before leaving in 2025. One of her main priorities for the museum’s collection was acquiring contemporary artefacts, ensuring it remains relevant to future generations.
KATE TILEY is the Curator at Carisbrooke Castle Museum. She has lived in Carisbrooke for much of her life, spending time exploring the castle grounds as a child. Whilst studying History at the University of Chichester she volunteered at the museum and was employed as a curatorial assistant from 2013-2025, becoming the Museum Curator that same year. Her research interests include the museum’s collection of historic costume and textiles.