Carlisle: the 5 best things to come out of the city - do you agree?

Let us know in the comments what you the best thing to come out of Carlisle is.

1. Carlisle Castle

Carlisle castle is woven into the fabric of English history. Before the unifcation of the United Kingdom, the castle in Carlisle acted as one of the principal fortresses on the Anglo-Scottish border and was besieged by Scots several times between 1173 and 1461.

Carlisle castle also acted as a royal residence in the 16th century, when Mary Queen of Scots spent weeks living in the Warden's tower in 1567 as she feld from her rebelious subjects. 

In recent years, the castle has been used the mark national remeberance. In 2018, the 'weeping window', which was made of 5,500 poppies, was installed at the castle to commemorate the ceteniary of the First World War and mark local sacrifice during the great war.

'Weeping Window' at Carlisle Castle in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

2. Carlisle United

Carlisle United, currently sit 10th in the EFL League Two and is a club with a storied past. A club that produced countless memorable moments for it's die-hard supporters.

Perhaps the most memorable moment for Football fans up and down the country of Carlisle United was the Blues last-ditch escape from being dumped out of the Football League.

With pratically the last kick of the 1999 season, on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass would score from a Carlisle corner to send Brunton Park into raptures as they retained their Football League status.

Jimmy Glass scores the decisive goal for Carlisle United against Plymouth in May 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

3. Carlisle-born celebrities and historical figures 

There are a number of famous figures that were born in Carlisle, making it impossible to pick just one of the cities famous exports to feature. 

Helen Skelton is currently dancing her way through the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and is just one entry on a list of Carlisle born celebrities that includes 911 boy-band member Lee Brennan, Food-critic Grace Dent and actress Roxanne Pallet.

Helen Skelton is one of many Carlisle-born celebrities

Janet Woodrow, the mother of 28th US president Woodrow Wilson, was also born in Carlisle. As President, Wilson was instrumental in shaping global history with his ill-fated League of Nations and throughout his life the American statesman would make several visits to Carlisle.

4. The Pioneer and Cranstons

Carlisle, with is rural landscapes in famous nationally for its farming communties, and one of the many benefits of these communties is the quailty local produce.

Although the first Cranstons store was founded in 1977 at Kirkoswald, the local butchers has become synonymous with Carlisle and alongside The Pioneer, champions local produce and makes sure that the people of Carlisel have access to the best locally-sourced food.

Cranstons alongside The Pioneer supply Carlisle with fresh, local produce (Image: Newsquest)

5. Eddie Stobart

The Haulage company which was founded in the county had its first depot on Greystone Road in Carlisle has expanded into a national logistics giant and has also spawned its own unique culture.

The fomerly Carlisle-based company which names is lorries has a dedicated set of 'Truck spotters' who follow the wagons around the country to catch a glimpse of the different names featured on the front of the cab.

'Eddie spotters' follow the formerly Carlisle-based wagons up and down the country (Image: Newsquest)