It was William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror, who restored Carlisle to the English kingdom. Rufus entered the city through Botchergate. The long-demolished gateway has given its name to today’s street – Botchergate.

Text about the history of this site

The text reads: This ‘listed’ façade of 10 Botchergate forms part of these premises, and shows that JS Hope’s drapery was one of the various shops on this site. George White had a long-standing grocery here next to Tom Ridley’s chemist shop. White was Mayor of Carlisle, 1898–99, whilst Tom Ridley served as the city’s mayor, 1919–1920.

A photograph of Citadel Station

Illustrations of the cathedral, showing the east end of the Fratery and South Transept

A photograph of the entrance gate, Carlisle Castle, c1900

The text reads: The original castle was an earth-and-wood construction built by William Rufus, in 1093, at the northern end of the medieval city. In 1122, Henry I ordered that Carlisle Castle should be rebuilt in stone. The city walls and stone keep followed soon after.

King Edward I was a frequent visitor, and Parliament was held within the castle walls on several occasions. In 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots was confined here, following her abdication from the Scottish throne.

The castle also played a part in the Civil War. An eight-month siege by Parliament began in 1644 and only ended when the Royalists within finally ran out of food. One hundred years later, supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie locked themselves in the castle, but they surrendered a few days later.

Old photographs showing which shops used to be on Botchergate

A photograph of Botchergate looking north, Carlisle

Old photographs of the rear of the pub, which used to be a popular bar called Platform One

This site was developed into a beer garden in 2014.

External photograph of the building – main entrance