Carlisle’s Historic Quarter

In it’s 2000 year history, Carlisle has seen Celts, Romans, warring families and invading armies leave a legacy for you to explore. In Carlisle’s Historic Quarter, you will find a castle, cathedral and museums in a compact area, criss crossed with ancient thoroughfares. 

Once enclosed by mighty walls,  Carlisle’s West Walls, built from 1122, are all that remain but are a fine example of what these defences looked like.

The magnificent Castle, founded in 1092 by William the Conquerer’s son, stands as testament to years of feuding over the English-Scottish border.  The City’s commercial success is revealed in the Guildhall Museum, built in 1407 and once the meeting place of the medieval trade guilds.

The Old Town Hall stands at the heart of the Historic Quarter, dating from 1717, it now houses Carlisle’s award winning Tourist Information Centre.  Closeby stands Carlisle Cathedral, founded in 1122 and battered by centuries of warfare, it was built for the glory of God and prayers have been said in it daily for almost 900 years.  Nearby, award winning Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is a fusion of old and new - from beautiful ‘old Tullie House’ with its collection of fine art to the Border Galleries full of interactive fun and from 25 June 2011 the new Roman Frontier Gallery will be open showcasing Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery’s significant Roman collections along with items on loan from the British Museum.

Close to the Historic Quarter are the imposing ‘twin drum’ bastions  of the Citadel built by Henry VIII, adjacent to this is Carlisle’s Railway station –  aptly named the Citadel Station, it was built in 1847 by William Tite who was also resoponsible for the London Stock Exchange.

Carlisle’s Historic Quarter continues to evolve to this day and will play an even greater role in the business, social and cultural life of the city in the future.