FoKTs IN KskDaLemiik. 77 



rock — it is evident that such a work was not in tlie nature of a 

 temporary encampment; everything- indicates that it must have 

 ser-ved as a stronghold by its inhabitants for a very long- period, 

 possibly for hundreds of years. I am strengthened in this opinion 

 when I consider not only the extent of defensive works in the 

 inunediate vicinity of the fort itself, but of the immense net-woi'k 

 of connecting- trenches formed all over the Oastle O'er property. 

 But before proceeding- further in this direction, allow me to make 

 a few remarks regarding- the name of this fort. 



The name "Castle O'er" is, comparatively speaking, a modern 

 one; its ancient name was " Overbie '' — "bie" signifying, I 

 understand, a castle, fort, or other stronghold — ^and it is sup- 

 posed to be the farthest north of the three principal forts, 

 Overbie, Middlebie, and Netherbie ; or, the over, the middle, and 

 nether forts, or castles. 



It must be admitted, I think, that these ancient British works 

 existed long prior to the Roman Invasion, and I think that the 

 names above mentioned — which are not Latin names — refer to 

 British forts and not to Roman camps. 



I am not sure if the earth-work at Netherbie has ever been 

 proved to be a Roman Station ; if it has not, then I suggest it is 

 British ; also that Birrenswark and not Birrens was the Middlebie 

 of old ; and further, that Castle O'er, or •■ Over Castle," is the 

 modernized name of " Overbie." When my father acquired the 

 lands of Castle O'er, they as well as the dwelling-house were 

 known under the name of Yetbyre. Not liking this name — 

 associating it, I have no doubt, in his own mind as having some 

 connection with a gate and a cow-house — he re-christened both 

 lands and house Castle O'er, from the fort of that name. If I 

 expressed an opinion at all on this change of name, I would say 

 it was scarcely a good one, as I am told that " Yetbyre " signifies 

 the '• Chiefs Stronghold," and I consider this designation a more 

 archaic and interesting- one than the modern name. Castle O'er. 



The first place I find it so called is in Timothy Font's atlas, 

 dated 1661, though he spells it in his usual (|uaint orthography, 

 •• Castleouyru," then Sir Walter Scott, in the " Lay of the Last 

 Minstrel," speaks of it as Castle-Ower : 



" Wide laj- his lands round Oakwood Tower, 

 And wide round haunted Castle-Ower." 



