20/08/2026
HOW MANY DO YOU KNOW?
What does it all mean? We see all sorts of names and local dialect on maps. But where does it all come from?
Below is an image of collected names that you may find in the Lake District Fells. How many do you know? Add some if I have miss any.
The Cumbrian mountain dialect—often called "fell-talk"—is a unique blend of ancient Celtic, Old Norse, and Northumbrian English. Shaped by the isolated valleys and rugged fells of the Lake District, it evolved through successive waves of settlers and invaders who left their distinct marks on the local landscape and vocabulary.
Key Influences on Cumbrian, Celtic and Cumbric Roots: Before English arrived, the region spoke Cumbric, a Brittonic Celtic language related to Old Welsh. It survives in place names like Penrith (hill) and Carlisle (fort), and famously in traditional sheep-counting numerals (yan, tyan, tethera, methera).
Old Norse Invaders: Viking settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries heavily influenced local topography and everyday words. Landscape terms like tarn (small lake), thwaite (clearing), and howe (hill), alongside words like yam (home) and laal (little), come directly from Old Norse.
Old Northumbrian English: Anglo-Saxon arrivals brought Old Northumbrian, giving the dialect deep common roots with the Scots language and unique grammatical habits like the Northern Subject Rule.
