The ghastly goings-on over hundreds of years at Carlisle Castle will be available to explore as fans of all things frightening take a tour of the venue’s deadly dungeons.

English Heritage, who manage the castle, are opening up the dungeons which have held captive hundreds of prisoners during the city’s fascinating existence.

The Torchlight Tours will allow visitors to explore the collection of dark dungeons, licking stones, mysterious carvings and hear about the walled skeletons which were discovered by workmen in the Captain’s Tower in 1819.

Plus, the Bottle Dungeon, underneath the outer gatehouse, will be part of tour despite not usually being open to the public.

It was in this area where prisoners would await the King’s decision on whether they would be punished or freed.

A significant piece of history that will be explored is post-1746 when Jacobites prisoners were sent by the Hanoverian government – the British government of the day – to Carlisle Castle.

At one time more than 300 prisoners were there but most of them were sent to the south of England for trial.

However, 90 prisoners remained and were kept in extremely poor conditions, being forced to lick the damp walls to stay alive.

Those in charge of the castle hope the tours will bring the castle’s unique history to life.

John Bonner, site manager at Carlisle Castle, said: “Halloween week seems a timely moment to open up our dungeons and discuss the fascinating history of this part of the castle.

“This is a good opportunity to come along and discover a bit more about the past. The event is suitable for children over the age of 14 so wrap up warm, bring a torch and come and enjoy a fascinating evening of history.”

Anyone wanting to book tickets should call the sales team on 0370 333 1183. Spaces are limited on each night so booking is advised.

People going along are asked to take a torch and wrap up warm.