Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Thongceaster

Thangcaster, Thong Castle

The castle known as Kaercarrei by the Britons. It was later called Vancaster or Lancaster.

The Saxon leader Hengist built it as a stronghold in Britain while he was on friendly terms with Vortigern. According to Geoffrey, it was so named because Hengist measured out the foundation of the castle with a leather thong.

The town is probably Caistor, located in Lincolnshire, England. The name “Caistor” suggests a connection to its Roman origins, as ceaster is a common element in place names derived from Latin castra, meaning “fort” or “camp.”


See also
Siege of Thong Castle | The Legend of King Arthur


Sources
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155