A mighty stronghold in the frequent conflict between the two countries, and the base of the lord wardens attempting to control an unruly frontier, the castle has endured more sieges than any other place in the British Isles. Unlike most medieval castles, it has been continuously occupied since its foundation by William II in 1092. From the 18th century to the 1960s it was the headquarters of the Border Regiment, one of the oldest in the British army.

Roman Castle
In AD 72 a large Roman fort, built of turf and timber, was established on the site of the later castle. It later provided support for garrisons on Hadrian’s Wall and acted as a staging post for troops invading Scotland. The fort became the nucleus of a prosperous town named Luguvalium, which by the mid-2nd century was one of the most important military bases in Roman Britain.
- The keep, or great tower, is the largest and most impressive part of the castle. Together with the gatehouse, it is the earliest surviving part of the castle, although its interior has been significantly altered over the centuries, and the roof of the keep was lowered in the 16th century.
The First Castle
The first castle at Carlisle was built over part of the first Roman fort by William II (‘William Rufus’; r.1087–1100) after he defeated the local warlord Dolfin in 1092.
- The first castle may have been a ringwork – a simple enclosure of earth and timber, using the natural slope to the north, with a deep ditch cut as a defence to the south. Reconstruction of Carlisle Castle as it may have appeared in about 1400© Historic England (illustration by Liam Wales)
Carlisle and the Border
Carlisle’s position on the border between England and Scotland made it a vital stronghold and border defence, and also vulnerable to crises in Anglo-Scots relations.
- In 1296 Edward I (r.1272–1307) made Carlisle his headquarters for three months in the early stages of his war against the Scots.[7] The inner ward, which probably already housed a great hall and chamber, was enhanced to accommodate the court. In 1308 a residential tower, later known as Queen Mary’s Tower, was added to provide more fine accommodation.

For further information visit the website - https://www.english-heritage.org.uk