Gwrgan Fawr facts for kids

Gwrgan Fawr was a king who lived a long time ago. His name means 'Gwrgan the Great'. He ruled a kingdom called Ergyng in what is now south-east Wales. He died around the year 645. In Latin, his name was Gurgantius.

Early Life and Claim to the Throne

Gwrgan Fawr was the son of King Cynfyn. He was supposed to become king after his father. But another person, Gwrfoddw, took the throne around 615 AD. Gwrgan might have had to leave Ergyng for a while.

His name is found in old documents called 'charters'. These are in a book called the Book of Llandaff. These charters show that he later became king.

Connections to Other Kingdoms

Some old writings say Gwrgan was also called the King of Damnonia. A writer named William of Malmesbury mentioned him. He wrote that Gwrgan gave land to a church in Glastonbury in 601 AD.

Not much else is known about Gwrgan, even though he was called "the Great". He might have also ruled over Glywysing and Gwent. This is suggested if he was the same person as Gwrgan Frych. Gwrgan Frych is mentioned in the story of Saint Cadog.

This powerful lord gave Saint Cadog half the fishing rights on two rivers. In return, he received a special sword and a new horse. Saint Cadog died before Gwrgan's reign. So, the connection might have been with the people who followed Saint Cadog.

Succession and Legacy

Gwrgan ruled until about 645 AD. His sons, Caradog and Morgan, were expected to become kings next. However, when Gwrgan died, the throne went to Athrwys. Athrwys was the son of Gwrgan's daughter, Onbrawst.

It seems that Gwrgan's son-in-law, King Meurig, took control. King Meurig ruled Glywysing and Gwent. He managed to get the throne for his own son, Athrwys.