Reculver, Raculvre in 1276, Reculf in 669 from Regulbium in the Notitia Dignitatum. British ro 'great' gulbio 'beak' from the great headland. The fort was built soon after 225 and was garrisoned in the early fifth century by the Cohors I Baetasiorum.

Enclosing eight acres (~2.5 Ha) it is too big for this Cohort. There were probably other forces present, very likely naval. Brancaster is very similar and was probably built at the same time to protect the Wash.