Carlisle Castle
Given its proximity to the Scottish border, Carlisle Castle has been the centre of many conflicts including the English Civil War and the Jacobite rising in 1745. The original castle was constructed of earth and timber in the 11th century but during the 12th century Henry I ordered a stone structure to be built on the site.
Throughout its history, the castle has also functioned as a prison. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1568 after fleeing Scotland. Parched Jacobite prisoners famously licked its walls to keep themselves hydrated.
A maze of vaulted passages, staircases and chambers winds its way around the castle while the ramparts offer unrivalled views of historic Carlisle.
The castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public seven days a week. It is also home to the museum of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment. For visitors using sat nav systems, the postcode to use for Carlisle Castle is CA3 8UR.
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