Carlisle Cathedral - Medieval Cathedral England
Carlisle is in Cumberland (Cumbria), which was in fact part of Scotland until 1092. In that year it was conquered by William II Rufus, and quickly became an important centre of Norman power in the North.
There were already two parish churches in Carlisle, St Cuthbert’s and St Mary’s, with monastic traditions stretching back to the 7th century. The Normans are thought to have established some kind of monastic community in St Mary’s church about 1101, but in 1122 Henry I founded a house of Augustinian Canons (priests living in a community under the rule of St Augustine), and in his visit of the same year granted them royal lands, as well as endowing them with seven parish churches. The new priory included the older site at St Mary’s, and over the next 11 years it was part of the diocese of Lindisfarne, then Durham and then York.
In 1133 it was decided that, due to meddling from Scottish bishops in Carlisle’s affairs, it would be a good idea to establish a diocese of Carlisle in its own right, and establishing further religious houses along the border would contribute to its stability. Prior Athelwold, who had previously been the king’s personal confessor, duly became the first bishop of Carlisle.
Around 1135 Carlisle once again found itself part of Scotland, though it was back in English hands by the late 1150s. The Cathedral was extended in the 13th century in the style known as Early English, though a fire caused great damage in 1292. It had spread through the city after an irate citizen had started a fire elsewhere due to a family quarrel. In 1297, Robert the Bruce gave his oath of allegiance to Edward I in the Cathedral, and it was believed that the sword used in the martyrdom of St Thomas a Becket was held there at that time. More work was done throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the tower having to be replaced after it collapsed in 1380. Being a Cathedral, Carlisle survived the reformation, though the community of Augustinian Canons was dissolved in 1540. Lancelot Salkeld, the last prior, became the first dean. A fine wood-carved screen he donated in 1541 is still visible today. Left: Stone carving of Edward I in 
Carlisle Cathedral
Having survived the majority of Henry VIII’s wanton destruction, parts of the Cathedral fell foul of that other great demolisher of historic buildings, Oliver Cromwell. Some of the oldest parts of the Cathedral, the nave and St Mary’s church, were pulled down in the civil war, ostensibly to fortify the damaged castle after the city was taken by the parliamentarians.
The Cathedral was garrisoned by the Duke of Cumberland during the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Many of the captured Jacobite prisoners were held there. It was, however, the last time Carlisle found itself on the front line.
In the more peaceful years that followed, the building was restored several times, a significant part of this work completed in 1853-7. The Cathedral pretty well retains this form. Points of interest include the fine east window, of which the top half is 14th-century stained glass. The barrel vaulted ceiling, (Above right) also 14th century in structure, although it owes its current appearance to 19th century restoration, is another highlight.
The Cathedral boasts fine medieval wood carvings and paintings, including the Brougham Triptych (Left) , a Flemish altarpiece from around 1515-20.