Thirlwall Castle - Name and Meaning

Name and Meaning

The origin and meaning of "Thirlwall", is an old English word "Thirl" derived from the Greek "Thura"("θύρα") and more familiar English word "wall", related to nearby Hadrian's Wall. The name "Thirlwall" is often pronounced "Thura wall" (thoo•rah•wall). The root and meaning of the name "Thirlwall" is further understood by the following information provided in Strong's Enhanced Lexicon.

2374 θύρα n f. A root word ; TDNT 3:173; TDNTA 340; GK 2598; 39 occurrences; AV translates as "door" 38 times, and "gate" once. 1 a door. 1a the vestibule. 1b used of any opening like a door, an entrance, way or passage into. 1c in a parable or metaphor. 1c1 the door through which sheep go in and out, the name of him who brings salvation to those who follow his guidance. 1c2 "an open door" is used of the opportunity of doing something. 1c3 the door of the kingdom of heaven (likened to a palace) denotes the conditions which must be complied with in order to be received into the kingdom of God.
Sources: TDNT Theological Dictionary of the New Testament TDNTA Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume GK Goodrick-Kohlenberger AV Authorized Version Strong, J. 1996. Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship: Ontario.

An article appearing in "Atlantic Monthly" magazine describes "thirl" as "a small passage built into a wall to allow sheep but not cattle to pass through". This derives from and corresponds to the Greek definition for "Thura". "Wall" within this name refers to Roman-built Hadrian's Wall between Northeast England and Scotland in Northumbria."