Barnstaple

English

Etymology

Formerly Barnstable; the name is first recorded in the 10th century and is believed to derive from the Old English bearde (“battle-axe”) and stapol (“pillar”). Not related to staple in the sense of a market, which arose later.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈbɑː(ɹ)nstəpəɫ/, /ˈbɑːɹnstəbəl/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Proper noun

Barnstaple

1. A town and civil parish with a town council in North Devon district, Devon, England (OS grid ref SS5633).