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Carlisle Castle
In a 'Review of New Publications' of the 'Border
Antiquities of England and Scotland'.
There are few Cities in England which have been the scenes
of more momentous or more interesting events than Carlisle.
During those years when the borders of the two countries
were the theatre of alternate triumph and defeat of both, it
shared with suffering fidelity in the fierce contests of its
warlike possessors; and even at a later period, when
Rebellion reared her bloody standard in the North, Carlisle
was at once the witness of crime, and the scene of its
punishment. Recently, also, the Muse of a popular writer has
excited an increasing interest concerning all that relates
to Border transactions, where will one be found of any
importance, that is not more or less connected with Carlisle
and its towers of defence? The office of Warden of the
Marshes was one commnly bestowed upon Nobles of tried
fidelity and known courage; and in their train were to be
found the youthful aspirers after military glory, who longed
to signalize themselves in feats of arms, where bravery was
opposed to bravery, and the wreath of glory was won, not by
a single achievment, or by desultory prowess, but by
continued watchfulness, labour, and skill. In modern times,
since Law has held its mild dominion instead of the
ferocious and turbulent supremacy of arms, Carlisle Castle
has lost much of its importance and much of its utility. It
is now regarded rather as a vernerable relick of antiquity,
than as an edifice formed for defence; and yet the mind
feels a sentiment of sober and solemn delight in recalling
the occurrences which are connected with it through every
period of English history.
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