Ceretic of Elmet facts for kids
Ceretic of Elmet (also known as Ceredig ap Gwallog) was the very last king of a kingdom called Elmet. This ancient kingdom was home to the Britons and was located in what is now the West Yorkshire area of Northern England. This was during a time known as sub-Roman Britain, after the Romans had left Britain.
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Who Was Ceretic of Elmet?
Ceretic of Elmet was a king from a long time ago, in the early 7th century. His kingdom, Elmet, was one of the last independent British kingdoms in the north of England. He is also known by his British name, Ceredig ap Gwallog.
A Royal Visitor at Ceretic's Court
A famous historian named Bede wrote about Ceretic. Bede tells us that Hilda of Whitby, who was born in 614, came to Ceretic's court. Hilda was a member of the royal family of Deira, another kingdom nearby. She had to flee her home because of a ruler named Æthelfrith of Bernicia, who had taken over.
Bede called Ceretic the "King of the Britons." This probably meant he was the king of the Britons living in that specific area, not all of Britain.
The End of Elmet's Independence
The story of Ceretic's rule came to an end around the year 617. At this time, Edwin of Deira returned to power. Ceretic was forced to leave his kingdom. This happened because he was accused of being involved in a plot against Hilda's family.
After Ceretic was expelled, his kingdom of Elmet was taken over by the powerful Kingdom of Northumbria. This meant Elmet was no longer an independent kingdom.
When Did Ceretic Die?
The death of Ceretic is recorded in an old text called the Annales Cambriae. It says he died in 616, but historians believe this date should be corrected to 617 or very soon after.
Many historians believe that Ceretic of Elmet is the same person as Ceredig ap Gwallog. He was known as a 'Man of the North'. His father, Gwallog ap Lleenog, is linked to the Elmet area by an ancient poet named Taliesin.
