The Real Meaning of Caer Urfa
I’ve written a previous piece on what I think the ancient post-Roman name for South Shields, Caer Urfa, could mean, and I now believe this… Read More »The Real Meaning of Caer Urfa
Philology
The Beginnings of Tynemouth
By Gary Holland Tynemouth is a place that is steeped in history. The town has seen invasions by the Romans and Vikings, two World Wars,… Read More »The Beginnings of Tynemouth
Caer Urfa and the Agate Bear
This is a Roman bear cameo from Arbeia. It’s cut from sardonyx stone, a type of agate. As well as being unbelievably detailed and beautiful,… Read More »Caer Urfa and the Agate Bear
What’s in a Name: Part 4: The Stronghold at South Shields
Despite its proximity to North Shields and Tynemouth, the story of South Shields weaves its own way through the ages. In Roman times, it was… Read More »What’s in a Name: Part 4: The Stronghold at South Shields
What’s in a Name — Part 3: The Fort at the End of the Wall
Many people think that the names of Roman forts in Britain were Latin. Although the country was administered in Latin, just as in Gaul, most… Read More »What’s in a Name — Part 3: The Fort at the End of the Wall
What’s in a Name? Part 2 — Tynemouth’s Two Celtic Rivers
River names are vital to linguists in piecing together extinct languages, which in turn provides a glimpse into ancient societies. As massive geographical barriers, but… Read More »What’s in a Name? Part 2 — Tynemouth’s Two Celtic Rivers
What’s in a Name? Celtic Place Names around Tynemouth — Part 1 — Penbal Crag
There was a time when Welsh was spoken all across this country, and some of it remains in the very oldest features of the land.… Read More »What’s in a Name? Celtic Place Names around Tynemouth — Part 1 — Penbal Crag