English Place-name Society

Survey of English Place-Names

A county-by-county guide to the linguistic origins of England’s place-names – a project of the English Place-Name Society, founded 1923.

Old Carlisle

Early-attested site in the Parish of Westward

Historical Forms

  • Palmecastel 1272 For
  • Palmecastr' 1305 ib
  • Palmcastr' c.1275 Scotland 1285 For
  • Palmcaster 1317 HolmC
  • Old Carliell al. Palme Castell 1578 Cocker
  • Olde Carlile 1616 Camden

Etymology

In spite of the early form Palmecastel , the second element in the medieval name of this site is clearly Old Anglian cæster , with reference to the important Roman fort known since the 16th century as Old Carlisle.The only suggestion which can be offered for the first element is the ON  personal name Palmi (Lind).