Calchfynydd facts for kids
Calchfynydd was a very old and mysterious kingdom in Britain. We don't know exactly where it was, and there isn't much information about it. The name comes from two Welsh words: calch, meaning "lime," and mynydd, meaning "mountain." So, it might mean "Lime Mountain" or "Chalk Mountain."
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What Was Calchfynydd?
Calchfynydd was a small kingdom or area ruled by a king in ancient Britain. It existed a long, long time ago, after the Roman Empire left Britain. Historians call this time "sub-Roman Britain." We don't have many records from this period, which is why Calchfynydd remains a mystery.
Who Was Cadrawd Calchfynydd?
The name Calchfynydd is mostly known because of a person named Cadrawd Calchfynydd. He was likely a ruler of this area around the 500s. Welsh stories say that Cadrawd was one of the "Men of the North," or Gwyr y Gogledd. This suggests that his kingdom was located somewhere in northern Britain.
Where Was This Mysterious Kingdom?
Historians have different ideas about where Calchfynydd might have been.
- Northern Britain: Many experts, like Rachel Bromwich, think it was in the "Old North" (Hen Ogledd). This area included parts of what is now southern Scotland and northern England.
- Kelso Connection: One idea is that Calchfynydd was near a town called Kelso in southern Scotland. Kelso used to be called Calchow, which sounds similar. There are also chalky areas and a place called Chalkheugh Terrace there.
- Southern Britain: Other ideas suggest it might have been in areas with lime or chalk hills, like the Cotswolds or Chilterns in southern England. However, the connection to the "Men of the North" makes a northern location more likely.
Who Ruled Calchfynydd?
Based on old stories, here are some of the rulers believed to be in the family line of Cadrawd:
- Cynwyd Cynwydion
- Cadrawd Calchfynydd
- Yspwys Mwyntyrch
- Mynan
