Carlisle Castle

Being so close to the Scottish border Carlisle Castle has always played an important part in Britain's history.

The original fortification was built by William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror in 1092. The site consisted of a triangular piece of land on a low hill, protected by a wooden fence. William Rufus was killed in a hunting accident in the New Forest and his brother became Henry I.

Henry gave orders that Carlisle should be protected by walls and a castle. However, despite the new defences 14 years later the castle fell in to Scottish hands and from 1136 to 1157 was held by David I and Malcolm IV, Kings of Scotland.

Although it was reclaimed by Henry II the castle was besieged by the Scottish king ,William the Lion, from 1173 to 1174.

Over the years the castle was much altered and restored but there is much of the original 12th century castle remaining. There is also a fine 14th century gatehouse.

The castle remained in use as a barrack until the late 20th century and today it houses the museum of the Border Regiment & King's Own Royal Border Regiment.