King Camber facts for kids

Camber from an old book called Genealogical Chronicle of the Kings of England (around 1461)

A coat of arms said to belong to Camber, from the Book of Baglan

Camber, also known as Kamber, is a legendary figure from old British stories. He is said to be the first king of a land called Cambria. This story comes from a very old book written in the 12th century by Geoffrey of Monmouth, called Historia Regum Britanniae. Geoffrey wrote that Cambria, which is an old name for Wales, got its name from Camber himself.

Who Was Camber?

Camber is described as the second son of a legendary hero named Brutus of Britain. Brutus was believed to be a descendant of Aeneas, a famous warrior from the ancient city of Troy. Camber's mother was named Innogen.

Family and Land

When his father Brutus passed away, the land was divided among his three sons:

• Camber received Cambria, which is now known as Wales.
• His younger brother, Albanactus, got a land called Alba. This land is now known as Scotland.
• His older brother, Locrinus, received Logres. This land is most of England, except for Cornwall. Locrinus also became the main king, known as the King of the Britons.

Fighting Together

Later, Albanactus was attacked and killed by a king named Humber the Hun. Camber joined forces with his brother Locrinus. Together, they fought against Humber and defeated him.

Is Camber Real?

Like many characters in Geoffrey of Monmouth's book, Camber is not a real historical person. He is a character created by Geoffrey. Geoffrey often invented stories and people to explain the history of Britain in his own way. These stories were popular in his time.

Camber's Family Tree

An old book called the Book of Baglan lists people who were supposedly descendants of Camber. It says his oldest son, Gorbonian, became a leader in Cornwall and Cambria. His second son, Albon, governed North Cambria. This book even suggests that the line of descendants eventually led to King Henry VII of England. The book also shows a special coat of arms for Camber, described as "2 lions rampant, vert" (two green lions standing on their hind legs).