Thirlwall Castle : What's In A Name?

Thirl-Wall is an Old English place name meaning Gap In the Wall. It probably refers to a break in Hadrian's Wall where the ridge on which the Wall is located is crossed by a river or burn. The Thirlwall family adopted the name when they acquired the landholdings of the 'Township' of Thirlwall. It is no longer a common surname although the Parish of Thirlwall still exists.

In the 1300s, the Thirlwalls were local gentry folk who had acquired considerable wealth in royal military campaigns overseas, particularly in France. Other local families were also competing for land, status and influence. Within this local power struggle one thing became vital – security. Building a stronghold became the way to provide that security. Hence Thirlwall Castle.