Carlisle Castle, built in 1092 by William II (William Rufus), has stood for over nine centuries as one of England’s most important border fortresses. Its location near the Anglo-Scottish border made it a key military stronghold throughout history, witnessing repeated conflicts between England and Scotland. The castle was constructed on the site of a former Roman fort called Luguvalium, which once guarded the western end of Hadrian’s Wall, adding to its long history of defense and occupation.
 
Over the centuries, Carlisle Castle has been home to kings, soldiers, and prisoners alike. Monarchs such as Mary, Queen of Scots, were held within its walls, and the castle endured at least ten sieges, including those during the English Civil War and the Jacobite uprisings. The keep still bears carvings made by Jacobite prisoners captured after the 1745 rebellion, offering a haunting glimpse into the past. Its architecture reflects layers of history—from its Norman foundations to later medieval and military additions—each modification telling a story of adaptation and survival.
 
In more recent times, the castle continued its military role, housing troops during both World Wars and serving as the headquarters for the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment. Today, it remains remarkably well preserved and is home to Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life. As one of northern England’s best-preserved fortresses, Carlisle Castle stands not just as a monument to centuries of warfare and resilience, but as a living record of Britain’s turbulent border history.