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Carlisle

Did You Know?

Carlisle is a cathedral city in the ceremonial county of Cumbria in England. It is the administrative centre of Cumberland Council which covers an area similar to the historic county of Cumberland.

It started as a Roman fort back in 72 AD, providing support for Hadrian's Wall, and its importance as a border town has kept it relevant ever since. It's been home to some of the bloodiest battles between England and Scotland, as well as in the War of the Roses and the English Civil War.

Standing proud in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. It has withstood many sieges, held captive a royal prisoner, and been home to the King's Own Royal Border Regiment.

However in 1135, on the death of King Henry I , King David I of Scotland took back control of the area, making Carlisle one of his chief seats of Scots government, until Henry II took it back again in 1157. Two new counties were now formed from the former earldom

Carlisle is also the capital of Cumbria, the most north-western historical region or ceremonial county of England. The name Cumbria has the same origin as Cymru, the indigenous name for Wales. Some Cumbrian place names, such as Penrith, look Welsh.

The 1969 hit film ‘The Italian Job’ features a legendary car chase that took place, partly, in Coventry. The iconic scene involves three patriotically coloured Minis driving through huge sewer pipes in an attempt to escape. These same pipes can be found at Stoke Aldermoor

The city and castle were frequently involved in the politics and warfare of the two kingdoms, and Carlisle has been besieged ten times – more than any other place in the British Isles. At least five of these sieges were major and sustained military engagements.

Carlisle is famous for the Castle! For around 900 years the Castle has dominated the City's landscape and is an iconic places to visit and explore. Situated on Castle Way (!), it's great to stroll through the Castle grounds through the various tours on offer.

William Wallace also considered trying to capture Carlisle, but the defenders were better prepared by then and Wallace turned away from the city. Such were the conflicting alliances of the time that one of the leading defenders of the city then was Robert Bruce, father of the victor of Bannockburn.

In the winter of 1306, while attempting to quell anoher uprising, King Edward became ill and rested at Lanercost Priory near Carlisle for several months. He died of dysentery on Burgh Marsh within sight of the shores of Scotland which had plagued him for so long.

By area, Carlisle encompasses the urban centre and its rural surroundings, totalling 1,040 square kilometres (402 square miles). The actual city centre is small and attractive, sitting on three rivers and vast parkland.