The river-name Culm is OW culm 'knot, tie', though braided (river) seems more appropriate (a less proper hydrological term for an anastomose stream or river). From my perspective Pokorny seems to have two possibilities: kagh- kogh- 'to sew, plait" p518; and k^el-4 'to conceal' p553-554.
There is probably good reason to choose one over the other, though I wouldn't know how to choose. Help would be appreciated. Matasovic has Proto-Celtic *kagyo- 'pen, enclosure' [Noun] and *kel-o- 'hide' [Verb], respectively. Hiding a strand of hair or a strip of wattle under another could be considered braiding.
The form Celumno or Celumon is what I've managed to resolve from Ravennas site on the Culm Melamoni and the
Roman fort at Chesters Celumno = Notitia Dignitatum's Cilurno. Cilurno, explained as W cilurnn 'bucket, pail' seems to be a false friend, as the North Tyne's old name se to be should preserved in the name of Kielder (Keldre 1309 which CDEPN notes 'By origin a r.n.").
If this can be so, what would explain the u of Culm?
There are other rivers that seem to fit the pattern - Chelmer and Kelvin, to name two. I recognize that Chelmsford was Cesaromago, but IE kes- is 'to plait, braid' also.
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Tom Ikins
The Roman Map of Britain
http://www.romanmap.com
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