Meet the characters of Carlisle Castle
Published 7 Feb 2012 04:30
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KEEP the kids entertained and learn a thing or two for yourself this February half term, as English Heritage offers people in the region an exclusive tour of Carlisle Castle.
Visitors are invited to take a trip back in time with the 'Characters of the Castle' Tours, where they will be guided around Carlisle's iconic fortress to discover the many intriguing tales that make up the Castle's long and tumultuous history. A dedicated English Heritage guide will take you on an exclusive tour of the Castle, as it opens during February half term for the tours only.
Running daily from Monday 13 until Friday 17 February (10.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm), these unique tours reveal the stories of an intriguing cast of characters, including Henry V111, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce - all famous and infamous visitors who helped shape the history of the region.
The Castle is currently open every winter weekend but these special tours offer exclusive access midweek for anyone who phones the site to pre-book their place. Tickets in advance are priced at £10, all non English Heritage members and £7, all English Heritage members.
Jon Hogan, events manager for English Heritage in the North, said: "The 'Characters of the Castle' Tours are a great way for local people to learn about their past and the fascinating history of the Castle, in a dynamic and exciting way. You will get to know some of the Castle's famous ancestors in depth during these intimate tours, and as family friendly events, they are sure to entertain adults and children alike offering the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together over half term.
"At the end of the tours, visitors will also be able to warm themselves up with a selection of tasty hot refreshments that will be handed out. Don't forget to pre-book your place as the Castle will be closed to members of the public whilst the tours are happening."
As the most besieged City in the country, Carlisle and the Castle have played a prominent role in many sieges and rebellions over the centuries. The 'Characters of the Castle' Tours will take visitors on a journey through the past 2000 years, from Carlisle's Roman roots through to the present day. You will hear the grisly and gruesome tales of Carlisle Castle's infamous visitors, as well as meeting some lesser-known characters, such as the dastardly Border Reivers to find out the impact they had on the region. And that's not all - visitors will also be in for a spooky treat as they hear some ghoulish tales about the ghosts that are still said to haunt the Castle today!
A new chapter will also be opening in the Carlisle Castle story this spring, as it unveils a brand new interactive exhibition, bringing to life the stories of an assortment of royal, famous and infamous characters that have graced the castle with their presence throughout the ages. In addition, the Captain's Tower, which is one of the best preserved gatehouses in the UK, will be re-opening to all Castle visitors for the first time in 20 years. A new virtual tour of the Keep will also be introduced to allow visitors who can't climb the steep and winding stairwells to experience the interior of this impressive building.
For more information about Carlisle Castle, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/carlisle or call 01228 591922. You can also follow Carlisle Castle on Facebook.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 07 Feb 12
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