In 1568 while staying at Carlisle Castle in Cumbria, Mary Queen of Scots became the first recorded monarch to actively enjoy watching a football match. Twenty of her retinue played a two hour game and according to Sir Francis Knollys, all played "very strongly, nimbly and skilfully, without any foul play offered."

 And this World Cup, Carlisle Castle is one of the English Heritage properties which from Saturday 12 June, will be flying the St George's Cross flag as we support the England team this summer. Other sites include the Key to England, Dover Castle; the Jewel Tower or the ‘King's Privy Tower' in London; Pendennis Castle on the Cornish Coast; Bolsover Castle in the East Midlands; and Belsay Hall outside Newcastle. The St George's Cross flags will replace the usual red and white English Heritage flags for the duration of England's involvement in the tournament.