Page "Carlisle, Cumbria" Paragraph 5

Much of the ancient history of Carlisle is still unknown and what is known is derived mainly from archaeological evidence and the works of Roman historian Gaius Tacitus.

The earliest recorded inhabitants were the Carvetti tribe of Brythonic Celts who made up the main population of ancient Cumbria and North Lancashire.

According to early historians John of Fordun and Boethius, Carlisle existed before the arrival of the Romans in Britain and was one of the strongest British towns at the time.

In the time of the emperor Nero it was said to have burned down.

The town was named Luguvalion or Luguwaljon, meaning ' strength of the god Lugus '.

This was later Latinised into Luguvalium and later still was derived to Caer-luel ( Caer meaning fort in Brythonic ).