Carlisle, an old border town on the River Eden and now county town of Cumbria, is mainly an industrial center and a road and rail junction. In addition to historic buildings such as the cathedral, the Norman castle and the nearby Hadrian's Wall, the city also has a good modern shopping center. Carlisle
Castle is a notable feature of the town, managed by the English Heritage. Tullie House features local history displays and an art gallery. The lovely Scottish border country to the north (the Southern Uplands) and the magical Lake District to the south are both within easy reach.
Hadrian's Wall ran just north of Carlisle, through what is now the suburb of Stanwix, where the Roman fortifications crossed the river. The fort later developed into the Romano-British town of Luguvalium. In the 11th and 12th centuries the Scots claimed the town, but after it was fortified by William Rufus had little chance of taking it. In 1645 however Carlisle did fall to a Scottish army under General Leslie after an eight month long siege.
In November 1745 the city was taken again, this time by the Young Pretender, Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), without a shot being fired. It was retaken by George II's son, the Duke of Cumberland, after the Prince's resounding defeat at Culloden the following year.
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