BattlefieldsSiege of Carlisle Castle 1174
Medieval

Siege of Carlisle Castle 1174

1174
Cumbria, England
Also known as: Carlisle 1174 · Scottish siege of Carlisle 1174
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cumbria, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
William the Lion
Forces
Garrison: English royal constable and troops
VS
Victor
English (castle holds)
Forces
Scottish: William the Lion with full Scottish army
Outcome
Carlisle Castle held against the Scottish siege; William moved on to his eventual capture at Alnwick
The Battle

History & Significance

William the Lion besieged Carlisle during the great invasion of 1174 but could not take the castle. Carlisle had long been contested between Scotland and England and was one of the strongest fortresses on the border. Its resistance meant the Scots could not consolidate control of Cumbria.

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