Carlisle is a city, the largest settlement in Cumbria. It is part of the City of Carlisle local government district, and acts as the administrative centre for both this district and Cumbria County Council. Carlisle is also home to the main campuses of the University of Cumbria. Historically the county town of Cumberland,
Carlisle developed importance as a military stronghold due to its position at the Anglo-Scottish border; Carlisle Castle, still relatively intact, was built in 1092 by William Rufus, and having once served as a prison for Mary, Queen of Scots. Because Carlisle was sometimes the last town in England before Scotland, and sometimes the last town in Scotland before England, in the days when the two countries were separate kingdoms, it developed importance as a military stronghold, and Carlisle Castle is still relatively intact.
Source : www.wikipedia.org.uk Local attractions : Carlisle Castle : http://www.visitcumbria.com/car/carlcas.htm Carlisle FC : www.carlisleunited.premiumtv.co.uk/ Carlisle Cathedral : www.carlislecathedral.org.uk