A HISTORICAL cannon in Carlisle's city centre has been spruced up thanks to a local history enthusiast. 

The aged weathered cannon, next to the eastern tower of the Citadel, has stood guard since the Jacobite invasion under Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.

Known then as a defensive tool during the historical siege, it later signalled the day's start and end while the city was fortified, according to the city's information board. 

Read more: Meet the International Man of History who hails from Carlisle

After documenting the weather-worn gun's history on his Facebook page, Eelyn Oliver, aka the 'International Man of History', took it upon himself to rise at 5am with a sponge and buckets of water to give the cannon a fresh lease of life. 

"To be honest, I think it needs another going over and I will probably go back on Sunday morning. But it is much better now," he said. 

"I think the cannon is in a shaded area and that's probably why it was so green. I also think that it needs to be professionally cleaned and repainted.

"That being said, it is in good condition for its age." 

The history buff intends to sustain the cannon's improved look with yearly cleans going ahead. 

The 'International Man of History' personal blog, which remembers 'the good, the bad and the ugly' moments from history, has achieved immense popularity since it was set up in 2019 and now reaches around 10 million people each month. 

You can follow Eelyn's page on Facebook via www.facebook.com/I.M.O.History89