Papcastle
Major Settlement in the Parish of Papcastle
Historical Forms
- Pabecastr' 1260 Rental 1278,1279 Ass
- Papecastr' 1266 MinAcct 1399 Cl
- Papecastre in Allerdale 1323 Ch
- Papecastel 1285 For
- Papcastre 1302 FF
- Papcastle al. Papcaster 1675 DKRxl
- Pappecastre 1332 SR
- Popecastre 1381 Cl 1383 Pat 1385 FF
- Papscastle 1653 CantWvii
- Pope's Castle 1737 CWxxiii
Etymology
The cæster, which has become 'castle' in the modern name, denoted the Roman fort at the point where the road running southwest from Carlisle branches north-west to Maryport. The first element can hardly be other than ON papi , 'hermit.'
The Romano-British name of Papcastle was Derventio, from the river on which it stands.