Last updated at 16:40, Monday, 26 March 2012

Carlisle has several claims to fame. It is the largest city in England, if we look at the city council area including Brampton and Longtown.

It is, for better or worse, the place where Sunny Delight was launched.

And now comes another unusual claim – Carlisle is Britain’s most-besieged city.

A new exhibition about Carlisle Castle’s history has highlighted that the castle has been laid siege to 10 times.

Steven Brindle of English Heritage said: “We don’t think there is anywhere else in the British Isles that can match that record.”

The question now is whether this grim distinction can be turned into something positive.

To put it bluntly, are sieges sexy enough to attract tourists?

Here’s a suggestion for English Heritage.

The 1992 film Under Siege, starring Steven Seagal as a former Navy SEAL battling mercenaries on a battleship, was a huge success.

So how about a sequel set in Carlisle?

Under Siege – 10 Times! could be a historical drama set at Carlisle Castle, with Seagal playing a range of historical characters through the ages.

Steven Seagal and a cannon. What’s not to like?

First published at 12:25, Monday, 26 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk