THIS week we will take a look back at one of Carlisle's most significant and historic sites which has been a figurehead of the city for centuries. 

Carlisle Castle has dominated the city's landscape for generations and is one of Cumbria's key landmarks. 

We thought we would take a look back at this historic place and look at some pictures of the building and what has happened there over the years. 

The castle has been part of the city for nine centuries and has remained working as a fortress into our own living memory. 

It was built during the medieval era and has an abundance of historic wealth that residents and visitors have enjoyed for years. 

The castle has endured a number of sieges over the years and for hundreds of years was a major landmark in the conflict between the English and Scottish nations. 

The castle has been continuously occupied from its formation in 1092 right up until the 1960s. 

The Castle's grounds are however far older than this, as far back as AD 72 the grounds were used as a fort, made from timber and turf, by the Romans. 

After being formed into a place that is recognisable as the castle it is today, some 900 years ago, it continued to be a place of conflict and war between neighbouring groups right through the 15th and 16th century. 

During this period the castle held a number of famous prisoners including Mary Queen of Scots who was housed for some weeks in what is known as the Warden's Tower. 

In recent years it has become a popular tourist attraction and destination for visitor's to learn about England's history. 

In 2002 Her Majesty The Queen visited the castle as part of her Golden Jubilee celebration tour. It has also hosted a large scale poppy memorial to remember those who have lost and risked their lives during war time.