2.      Historically the county town of Cumberland , Carlisle was first a Roman settlement, established to serve the forts on Hadrian's Wall . During the Middle Ages, because of its proximity to Scotland , Carlisle became an important military stronghold. During the Industrial Revolution, Carlisle became a densely populated mill town. This combined with its strategic position allowed for the development of Carlisle as an important railway town, with seven railway companies sharing the Carlisle railway station.