Photo: John Gibson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About this place
Carlisle Castle in Cumbria was first built in 1092 on the orders of William II, positioned close to Hadrian's Wall.
Henry I had it rebuilt in stone in 1122, and it has defended England's border with Scotland ever since.
During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 to 1746 it became the last fortress in England to withstand a siege.
English Heritage now manages the castle, and a regimental museum occupies part of the walls.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
Standing close to the Scottish border, the castle was fought over repeatedly during the Wars of Scottish Independence, changing hands under siege on several occasions. Mary, Queen of Scots was held here in 1568 after fleeing into England. The military maintained a direct presence at the castle well into modern times, with the King's Own Royal Border Regiment based there until 2006 and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment retaining it as county headquarters until 2019.
Architecture
The castle is a medieval stone fortress built around a Norman keep, with later curtain walls and towers added as its defensive role against Scotland grew more pressing.
Worth knowing
Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned within the castle in 1568. It also served as the long-standing regimental home of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment, whose museum still occupies part of the walls.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Carlisle Rail Station (0.6 miles)
Open year-round; daily in summer months, with reduced weekend-only hours in winter. Check the official English Heritage website for current dates and times.
Nearby properties
Wetheral Priory Gatehouse
View Wetheral Priory Gatehouse on heritage mapLanercost Priory
View Lanercost Priory on heritage mapPike Hill Signal Tower
View Pike Hill Signal Tower on heritage mapMilecastle 52
View Milecastle 52 on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Carlisle Castle (CA3) there are 1 historic properties, including 1 historic building.
Within 10 miles of Carlisle Castle (CA3) there are 1 historic properties, including 1 historic building.
Within 20 miles of Carlisle Castle (CA3) there are 22 historic properties, including 9 historic buildings, 4 historic houses and 3 archaeological sites, across English Heritage, Historic Houses and Churches Conservation Trust sites.
Facts
The border fortress withstood siege more often than almost any castle in England, right up to 1745.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- Cumbria, England
- Visit duration
- Allow 1.5–2 hours for the castle; additional time if visiting the military museum.
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