Carlisle Castle is situated near the centre of the city of Carlisle in Cumbria, England. It overlooks the River Eden to the north and a tributary, River Caldew, to the west. Carlisle itself is close to the western end of the border between England and Scotland, 10 miles to the north, and, today, has a population of around 70,000. The castle has been witness to many battles and sieges over the centuries and ownership has passed between the English and the Scottish many times.

The castle rises from a earthen plateau, or motte, originally formed during the Roman occupation of Britain in the 1st century AD. The present castle was built in the early years of the Norman conquest and has survived for over 900 years. Constructed of red sandstone, it is an imposing and formidable sight and is fashioned in the typical motte and bailey style. The Great Keep, the castle's oldest surviving structure, is square and squat; its 65 foot height is short compared to many other castles. Much of the living quarters, the gatehouse and Mary's Tower, named after Mary, Queen of Scots, once a prisoner of the castle, remain intact today.

Carlisle Castle is now under the care of National Heritage and is home to a museum of the King's Own Border Regiment. Currently on display is the Carlisle Roman Dig, an exhibition of recent excavations.

Opening times and prices can be found at National Heritage's Carlisle Castle page.

Photograph: peteg