Cadfan ap Iago facts for kids

Cadfan ap Iago was a king of an old Welsh kingdom called Gwynedd. He lived a long time ago, from about 569 AD to 625 AD. He ruled Gwynedd from around 616 AD to 625 AD. We don't know a lot about Cadfan or his time as king because not many records from that period have survived.

What we do know about Cadfan comes from old family trees of kings, a gift he gave to Saint Beuno for a monastery, and his special gravestone. Cadfan was the son of King Iago ap Beli and became king after him. He became king around the same time as the Battle of Chester in 616 AD. In this battle, a group called the Northumbrians defeated a Welsh kingdom called Powys. They also attacked monks at Bangor Is Coed. However, there's no proof that Cadfan's kingdom, Gwynedd, was involved in this battle. Cadfan's son, Cadwallon ap Cadfan, became king after him.

Cadfan's Special Gravestone

Cadfan's gravestone is located at Llangadwaladr church on Anglesey. This church is close to where the kings of Gwynedd used to live and is thought to be their burial place. The stone calls Cadfan sapientisimus, which means "most wise." This word was often used for religious leaders. This might mean that Cadfan gave up being king at some point to live a more religious life.

The Catamanus stone in Llangadwaladr church, 2018.

King Cadfan's gravestone in Llangadwaladr church. The writing says "King Cadfan, the Wisest and Most Renowned of All Kings."

The full writing on the stone says: Latin: CATAMANUS REX SAPIENTIS MUS OPINATISM US OMNIUM REG UM. In English, this means "King Cadfan, the Wisest and Most Renowned of All Kings."

Cadfan and Saint Beuno

Saint Beuno and the monastery at Clynnog Fawr are often mentioned with King Cadfan. An old story says that a local prince gave the land for Clynnog Fawr to God and Saint Beuno. Beuno was the leader of the monastery there. This gift meant the land would be free from taxes forever.

The story also says that Beuno started a religious community at Clynnog in 616 AD. King Cadfan was a big supporter of Beuno and promised him a lot of land. Cadfan's son, King Cadwallon, kept this promise. As a thank you, Cadwallon was given a special golden sceptre, which was worth as much as 60 cows!

Some versions of this story have small differences. For example, one account says that Cadfan himself, not his son Cadwallon, was given the golden sceptre by Beuno.

History Versus Fiction: Cadfan and Edwin

Sometimes, old stories mix real history with made-up parts. A writer named Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote many stories about ancient Britain. He used the names of real people, like Cadfan, in his fictional tales. This was just a way to make his stories more interesting.

One of Geoffrey's stories says that a young prince named Edwin lived with King Cadfan and grew up with Cadfan's son, Cadwallon. This story is not true. There is no historical proof that Edwin ever lived at Cadfan's court.

In reality, Cadwallon and Edwin were actually enemies! King Edwin invaded Gwynedd and forced King Cadwallon to leave his kingdom. Later, Cadwallon teamed up with Penda of Mercia and defeated King Edwin in 633 AD at the Battle of Hatfield Chase. The idea that they spent their youth together was just a romantic story.

What we do know from history is that in 588 AD, King Ælla of Deira died. Another king, Æthelfrith, took over Ælla's kingdom and sent Ælla's three-year-old son, Edwin, away. Edwin lived in exile, meaning he had to live away from his home. We don't know where Edwin spent all his time in exile. Later, in 616 AD, Edwin joined forces with another king and defeated Æthelfrith. Edwin then became a very successful king of Northumbria.

See also

• Kings of Wales family trees

Sources