Charles I escaped from Hampton Court Palace in November 1647 and reached the Isle of Wight. He was soon confined at Carisbrooke Castle under Governor Robert Hammond. From captivity, the king continued secret negotiations with English factions and Scottish representatives.

The escape and renewed captivity enhanced Charles's self-presentation as a persecuted yet steadfast Christian king. Carisbrooke became an important setting in Royalist memoir, devotional writing and later historical romance.