Place Name

Temple, Cornwall, England

Where the Past Meets the Peculiar

Introduction:

Temple, that be a name that gets folk imaginin all sorts. Knights in shiny armour, druids dancin round fires, secret societies meetin under the full moon.

Truth is, the village be far simpler and far stranger than any tale folk spin about it. Round yer, the name came from the old days when the Knights Templar wandered these parts, though some reckon it were just a fancy name for a chapel that needed a bit of flair.

Whatever the truth, Temple be a place where history and whimsy sit side by side like two old boys on a bench.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Temple – Sounds grand as anything, like a place full of gold and holy relics. In Cornwall, it usually means a chapel or church, but the locals liked the sound of somethin a bit more mysterious.

A name that feels ancient, curious and just odd enough to make ee smile.

Historical Context:

The tale of Temple goes back to the twelfth century, when the Knights Templar built a chapel here. They were the rock stars of the medieval world, ridin about with swords, secrets and a reputation bigger than Bodmin Moor.

After they vanished from history, the village stayed put, keepin the name and the mystery like a badge of honour. Over the years,

Temple became a place for travellers, wanderers and folk who liked a bit of quiet with their legends.

Points of Interest:

If you be wanderin about, have a nose at:

• Temple Church – A quiet little place with more history than pews.

• Colliford Lake – Calm waters and ducks with more attitude than sense.

• Minions Village – A name worth a selfie, even if there be no yellow creatures about.

• Bodmin Moor – Wild, windy and full of tales that will raise the hairs on yer neck.

• The Jamaica Inn – Smugglers, stories and a pint that warms the bones.

Notable Figures:

Folk tied to Temple or Cornwall include:

• Daphne du Maurier – Writer who captured Cornwall like no other.

• Sir John Betjeman – Poet who loved this county like a warm pasty.

• Richard Trevithick – Steam pioneer with Cornish grit in his veins.

• J. K. Rowling – Found magic in the Cornish countryside.

• Charles Causley – Poet who wrote Cornwall into every line.

Conclusion:

So next time ee find yourself in Temple, take a moment to breathe in the moorland air and enjoy the daftness of a place that sounds like it should hold ancient secrets but mostly holds peace and quiet. It be a reminder that Cornwall loves a name with a twist and a tale with a wink.

And if ee fancy more names that will tickle yer ribs and twist yer tongue, have a shufty at www.strangeplacenames.com where the UK and Ireland be awash with gems dreamt up on wild pub nights.

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