'Carlisle Castle'

Carlisle, CA3 8UR. Tel 01228 591922.

Location : Carlisle
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 397562

Carlisle Castle is a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine centuries. Visitors can explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones'. Here, parched Jacobite prisoners found enough moisture to stay alive, only to be brutally executed on Gallows Hill. Uncover a fascinating history through lively exhibitions, offering an insight into William Rufus, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. You may take a guided tour of the Castle. There is a gift shop with a range of souvenirs with a medieval theme. The Castle is also home to the Border Regiment Museum which relates the history of Cumbria's County Infantry Regiment, the Border Regiment and the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and local Militia.

The entrance gateway.

The internal gatehouse

The keep

The site of the Mary Queen of Scots tower

Gaol doorway and original gaol door.

Gaol wall carvings (photographed through the protective glass door).

The licking stones in the dungeon of the keep.

Aerial photos by Simon Ledingham, other photos by Matthew Emmott and Julian Thurgood.

The castle is in the care of English Heritage

Page last changed 1 May 2008.