Elmet facts for kids
Elmet (also called Elfed) was an independent kingdom in ancient Britain. It was located in the area that is now known as the West Riding of Yorkshire. We find records of Elmet from the 5th century to the early 7th century, during a time called the Early Middle Ages.
Elmet had some important neighbors. To its east was the Anglian kingdom of Deira. To the south was another Anglian kingdom called Mercia. To the west, Elmet bordered the Irish Sea. Elmet was special because it was one of the last British kingdoms to survive into the early Anglo-Saxon period.
History of Elmet
Elmet began as a British kingdom after the Romans left Britain. The people of Elmet were known as the Elmetsæte. They were a group of Britons who lived in this area.
Elmet's Defeat
Ceredig was the last king of Elmet. Around the year 617, he was defeated by Edwin of Deira. This battle happened near Leeds, in the southern Pennines area. After this defeat, King Edwin forced Ceredig out of Elmet. From that time on, Elmet became a part of the larger kingdom of Northumbria.
Royal Homes and Beliefs
The kings of Elmet had special places where they lived. One royal home was at Campodonum, which might have been near Doncaster. Another was at Loidis, which is now known as Leeds. The people of Elmet, the Elmetsæte, were likely Christian. This was especially true by the time Northumbria conquered them. A famous writer named Bede wrote about a person named Thrydwulf and his monastery in Elmet wood.
Kings of Elmet
Here are some of the known kings who ruled Elmet:
- Mascuid Gloff (born around 440) - He might have been the first king of Elmet. He was the son of King Gwrast Lledlwm from Rheged.
- Madog - He died around 600 in a battle called the Battle of Catraeth.
- Gwallawg - He fought against the kingdom of Deira around 585.
- Ceredig - He was the last king of Elmet. He was expelled by Edwin of Deira.
Images for kids
-
Learn more about Elmet in Spanish!
