Carlisle Leasing

Did You Know?

The early history of Carlisle is marked by its status as a Roman settlement, established to serve the forts on Hadrian's Wall. During the Middle Ages, because of its proximity to the Kingdom of Scotland, Carlisle became an important military stronghold; Carlisle Castle, still relatively intact, was built in 1092 by William Rufus, and once served as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle now houses the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and the Border Regiment Museum.

What is known of the ancient history of Carlisle is derived mainly from archaeological evidence and the works of the Roman historian Tacitus. The earliest recorded inhabitants were the Carvetii tribe of Britons who made up the main population of ancient Cumbria and North Lancashire. According to Boethius and John of Fordun, Carlisle existed before the arrival of the Romans in Britain and was one of the strongest British towns at the time. In the time of the emperor Nero, it was said to have burned down.

By the time of the Norman conquest in 1066, Carlisle was part of Scotland. It was not recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book. This changed in 1092, when William the Conqueror's son William Rufus invaded the region and incorporated Cumberland and Carlisle into England. The construction of Carlisle Castle began in 1093 on the site of the Roman fort.

The conquest of Cumberland was the beginning of a war between Scotland and England which saw the region centred around Carlisle change hands a number of times. It was a major stronghold after the construction of the castle. During the wars, the livelihood of the people on the borders was devastated by armies from both sides. Even when the countries were not at war, tension remained high, and royal authority in one or the other kingdom was often weak.

Carlisle could claim to be the most cosmopolitan city in Britain – in terms of rulers? It was founded as Luguvalium by the Romans; when they left in the early 5th century the Picts took it over; the Vikings were next on the list; and the Scots displaced them. The Normans added Carlisle to their territory after the Conquest; the Scots retook it in the 12th century; and the English got it back later. It even fell to Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.

The Settle to Carlisle Railway was built by the Midland Railway Company who was in desperate need of a quick route to Scotland to compete with their rivals. The construction began in 1868 and the line opened for goods traffic in August 1874 and for passengers in May 1876. The route is 72 miles long and is said to be one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK.