Page:The Celtic Review volume 3.djvu/61

46 simply. On inscriptions at Newcastle, Backworth, we have Matr(ibus) and Matrum. In Britain, too, there are inscriptions to nymphs, as at Great Boughton, Nymphis et Fontibus, at Blenkinsop Castle, Deabus Nymphis, at Risingham, Nymphis venerandis, at Nether Croyfarm, near Croyhill, Nymphis. At Greta Bridge we have the singular Deae Nympha[e], and at Newtown of Irthington, Deae Nymphae Brig(antia). Whatever doubt there may be as to the local connections of some of the other deities we have here undoubtedly a goddess of Britain. It may be noted also that an inscription at Benwell, near Newcastle-on-Tyne, is set up to the three Lamiæ (Lamiis tribus).

Coming now to the individual goddesses, we have the following mentioned on inscriptions in Britain. Ancasta is mentioned in the formula Deae Ancastae on an inscription at Bittern, near Southampton. The name Belisăma does not occur in Britain as the name of a goddess, but only as that of an estuary, probably the Mersey or the Ribble, called by Ptolemy II. iii. 2: Βελισάμα εἴσχυσις. In the south of Gaul, however, the name occurs as that of a goddess, as, for example, on the Celtic inscription in Greek characters of Vaison, Vaucluse, Σεγομαρος Ουιλλονες τοουτιους Ναμαυσατις ειωρου Βηλεσαμι σοσιν νεμητον, that is, Segomarus, son of Villonus, a citizen of Nemausus, made for Belisama this temple. At Pont de Saint-Liziers in Les Couserans there is an inscription with the formula Minervae Belisamae sacrum. It is from her name that the place-name Belismius has probably arisen, a name surviving in Blismes (Nièvre), Blesmes (Marne), and Blesmes (Aisne).

The name Belisama is probably a superlative from the root bel-, which is found in the Welsh rhy-fel, war. The name Belismius occurs as a man’s name on an inscription at Caerleon-on-Usk. Of British goddesses Brigantia is one of the most important. Her name occurs on an inscription of A.D. 205, on an inscription at Greetland in the formula D(eae) Vict(oriae) Brig(antiae) et num(inibus) A(u)g(ustorum). At Adel, near Leeds, an inscription reads Deae Brigan[tiae], and