Carlisle

So I decided we’d try to do a quick drive by Carlisle Castle in Carlisle, right on the Scottish border. It’s the most besieged castle in the UK and was home to Mary, Queen of Scots for part of her imprisonment. I wasn’t sure we’d get there in time, but figured worst case we could walk around the castle and see it from the outside. As it turned out, we got there at 5 pm and it closed at 6 pm. After a quick tour of the wide open parking lot - something we hadn’t experienced a lot of - we made the short trek up to the imposing castle gate. Once inside the ticket office, the action began. Denise was determined to get us in, they were determined that you couldn’t possibly see Carlisle Castle in an hour! In the end, the red haired, green eyed, left handed witch from Johns Creek had them cowering and delivering our $25 tickets - a piece! Pretty sure they were having the last laugh as we left and started touring the grounds! Ok, I fibbed a little there as I was pushing to do it, I figured some part of the tour was better than standing outside. The castle was very cool, having been attended as a military barracks up until the 1960’s. Cars were still traveling through the big portcullis and parking in the outer yard as the buildings there are still in use today. I think one of the fascinating pieces of our visits is to see how these buildings changed and adapted over time to different threats, period fashion and architecture and uses. After the military left, for example, they discovered under the outer yard, a battery that lay at the foot of the gate to the inner yard. They had to dig about 20 feet down to uncover it all. This part of the castle had been hidden for over a hundred years! It was cool to see the main tower and to be able to climb it. Unfortunately, Mary’s tower - where Queen Mary had been prisoner - had been torn down in the 1800’s after falling into disrepair. Still, over all a good visit for an hour side trip. Besides, one of my goals is to introduce the ladies to the many different smells of the UK, and the Carlisle provided something a bit new - and not to Taylor’s liking at all! 😁Read more