Carlisle, Administrative center in Cumbria, England
Carlisle is a city in northwest England near the Scottish border, serving as the main settlement of Cumberland. The old town stretches along the River Eden and consists of narrow lanes, pedestrian streets, and squares surrounded by brick buildings from different eras.
The Romans founded the fort Luguvalium here in the 1st century as a hub to protect Hadrian's Wall. In medieval times the site became the stage for many battles between England and Scotland, which led to the construction of massive fortifications.
The name derives from the Celtic Caer Luel, meaning walled fort, reflecting its early fortified settlement. Today locals use the pedestrian lanes around English Street for shopping, while the market square remains a gathering point as it has been for centuries.
The cathedral in the town center is open to visitors and best seen in daylight when sunlight filters through its stained glass windows. From the railway station you can reach the old town and main attractions on foot in around ten minutes.
The prison cells in the castle contain inscriptions and carvings by inmates from the 16th century who scratched their names or symbols into the walls. Some of the graffiti display religious motifs and dates that remain clearly visible today.
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