Carlisle Castle is one of the 2000 year old city’s most iconic features. It was built over 900 years ago in reign of King William II of England. Over the years it has been in the middle of many battles and disputes given it’s location on the border of England and Scotland. Among may other historical episodes, it was the place where Mary Queen of Scots was held before her execution.
Today the castle is managed by English Heritage and is open to the public. The castle until recently was the administrative headquarters of the former King's Own Royal Border Regiment now county headquarters to the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and a museum to the regiment is within the castle walls.