Carlisle castle, Cumbria,

Carlisle Castle, which is over 900 years old, is situated near the ruins of Hadrian's Wall. The castle it has been the centre of many wars and invasions as a result of its proximity to the borders between England and Scotland.

Carlisle Castle was first built by William II of England, the son of William the Conqueror who invaded England in 1066. He ordered the construction of a Norman style motte and bailey castle in Carlisle and construction began in 1093. This was replaces in 1122 with a stone castle and city walls on the orders of Henry 1. The need for a castle in Carlisle was to keep the northern border of England secured against the threat of invasion from Scotland.

Carlisle Castle changed hands many times for the next 700 years as a result of the England/Scotland conflict.

Henry VIII converted the castle for artillery, employing the engineer Stefan von Haschenperg. For a few months in 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned within the castle. Later, the castle was besieged by the Parliamentary forces for eight months in 1644, during the English Civil War.

The most important battles were during the second Jacobite rising against George II of Great Britain in 1745. The Prince Charles Edward Stuart'forces travelled from Scotland into England. The castle was seized and fortified by the Jacobites. But they were driven north by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the son of George II. Carlisle was recaptured, and the Jacobites were jailed and executed. That battle was the last involving Carlisle Castle as England and Scotland were again one in Great Britain.

Some parts of the castle were then demolished for use as raw materials in the 19th century to create what is visible to the visitor today.

There is a shop, a picnic area and a hot drinks machine on the site.

Opening Times

Opening days and times vary. Please check the website.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

Adults: £5.00
Children: £3.00
Concessions: £4.50
EH Member: Free

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Disabled parking only.
The castle grounds are mostly accessible via paved paths. The Keep, D'Ireby's Tower and the top floor of the military museum are accessed via steps.
Eight benches in the grounds.
Adapted toilets within the Inner Ward.

Visit website for more information

More Information

Telephone: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/carlisle-castle/visitor-information

Visit website for more information