King of Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids King of Wales
Brenin Cymru
Welsh dragon, Pendragon symbol
Details
First monarch	Camber, King of Cambria (Wales)
Last monarch	Owain Gwynedd, King of Wales, Prince of Gwynedd
Formation	c.1,000 BC
Abolition	1,171 AD

King of Wales (Welsh: Brenin Cymru) royal title has origins spanning 3,000 years. Originally established by King Camber (c. 1,000 BC) of Cambria (Wales) during the European Iron Age. The family of Albon (son of Camber) became the Governors of North Cambria (North Wales, UK) for a millennium as Earls of Ewias and Urtchingfild until the Roman occupation of Britain. The Kings of medieval Wales emerged (except Cadell) from the Kingdom of Gwynedd (401 – 1283) and most from their cadet branch, the House of Aberffraw until the establishment of the Prince of Wales title after the Norman invasion of Wales (c. 1300 AD).

The Kingdom of Cambria (Wales) was a sub-kingdom of the Kingdom of Britain. Cambria began with Celtic peoples who settled in Wales and the surrounding British Isles during the late Bronze Age. The first wave of migration to pre-Celtic Europe began c. 1,000 BC which was followed by more between c. 500 BC - 200 BC. The Celtic Britons established Wales, England, and Scotland as the countries of Great Britain and were split further into regional Kingdoms based on the tribal territories of pre-Roman Wales.

King of Wales was a rarely used title, because Wales, much like Ireland, rarely achieved a degree of political unity like that of England or Scotland during the Middle Ages. While many different leaders in Wales claimed the title of "King of Wales", the country was only truly united under the rule of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn as Prince of Wales from 1055 to 1063.

Rhodri Mawr has been suggested by some as the first sovereign of Wales, and the first to unite most of Wales. The native use of the title Prince of Wales appeared more frequent by the eleventh century.

History of the Kingdom of Wales

Iron Age map of Britain

Map of Celtic tribes of Wales (40 AD).

The Welsh Kingdoms established from the post-Roman provinces (c. 400s) have Celtic origins.The original Celtic settlement of the British Isles is from c. 1,000 BC.

Welsh Celtic origins

During the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age in Celtic Britain (c. 800 BC) is when Cambria, (Wales) was split into 4 regional tribes. They were, the Ordovices (Mid to North Wales & Anglesey), the Deceangli (North East Wales), the Silures (South East Wales) and the Demetae (South West Wales). A second wave (c. 500 BC- 200 BC) of migration of Celtic tribes from Eastern Europe emerged in Britain and established stone hut circle roundhouse settlements within or near the previously inhabited hillfort enclosures. Hut circles were used as dwellings until after the end of Roman rule in Britain. During the Roman occupation, another Celtic tribe in Cambria (Wales) was identified as the Gangani (Llŷn Peninsula, North West Wales), they were a tribe with connections to Ireland (Éire).

Establishing the Kingdom of Cambria (Wales)

As a new culture of pre-Celtic Europe began, the mythological title (Welsh mythology), the first King of Britain (Welsh: Brenin y Brythoniaid, Latin: Rex Britannorum), Brutus of Troy was a Trojan who was born generations after the Trojan war (c. 1,184 BC) and had left Troy (present-day Turkey) to settle Great Britain. His Troy ancestor was Prince Aeneas (descendant of Zeus, one of the Olympians). Brutus fled the Greek Kingdom and sailed to the town of Totnes, England where a landmark stone still commemorates his arrival. He defeated Gogmagog the Giant in Britain (Albion) and founded New Troy, today the city of London. The Kingdoms of Great Britain was subsequently divided by Brutus into 3 regions. His sons were each given tribes to rule over. Locrinus is given Loegria (Lloegyr/England), Camber (Kamber) becomes King of Cambria (Wales) and Albanactus, Albania (Scotland). Camber's eldest son Gorbonian, became a Duke of Cornwall as well as governor of Cambria. Albon, the second son of Camber became governor of North Cambria as well as the Earl of Ewias and Urtchingfild.

Attributed arms of Camber from the Book of Baglan

Brutus' descendants, Kings of Britain

After the founding of the ancient Celtic Kingdom of Cambria (Wales) by the King of Britain, Brutus' descendants would thrive in Britain and Gaul for over a millennium until the Roman foundations of Britain. An example was Leir of Britain (the name given to Leicester, England), he had 3 daughters. Leir was the final direct patrilineal male descendant of Brutus of Troy to be King. Leir's life is dated to the founding of Rome c. 753 BC. Leir's grandson, Cunedagius next unified the Kingdoms of Britain (after Maddan) as King of Kambria, Lloegyr, and Alba (Wales, England, and Scotland) and ruled for 33 years. Generations later, a descendant of Camber, Prince Dyfnwal Moelmud (Dunwallo Molmutius) wrote the Molmutine Laws for the Kingdom to abide by. When he died, he was buried in Trinovantum (original name of London).

The line of British Celtic Kings continued for centuries from c. 500 BC for 700 years into the 2nd century AD when Geta, son of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (also a descendant of Brutus of Troy) was given the title, King of Britain.

Descendants of Camber, King of Cambria (Wales)

Lists compiled from several sources regarding the rulers of Cambria (Wales), Britain and a combination of the Kingdoms of Wales (Dyfed, Gwynedd, Powys) and Britain. Starting with King Camber, son of Brutus of Troy who ruled the Kingdom of Cambria nowhere days Wales, UK. Camber's children shared Cambria (Wales) as Chief Governor of Cambria and Governor of North Cambria in Cambria as well as Kings of Britain and Dukes of Cornwall (Dumnonia).

List of Chief Governors of Cambria (Wales)

A list of the descendants of King Camber's eldest son, Gorbonian as Chief Governors of Cambria (Wales) and Dukes of Cornwall (legendary), UK.

List of Chief Governors of North Cambria (North Wales) & Earls

The list of King Camber's second son. Albon's descendants as titleholders of the Earl of Ewias and Urtchingfild (Ewyas and Archenfield) and also the Governors of North Cambria (North Wales, UK). The Earldom of Ewias and Urtchingfield[e] has placenames still in use today. The name Ewyias derived from the Welsh Kingdom of Ewyas (c. 5th century) which became part of the Kingdom of Gwent (South-east Wales). Ewyas Lacy became a Norman hundred (county) ruled by the de Lacy family who were Welsh marcher Lords. The area is now a part of Herefordshire in England and is represented by the village Ewyas Harold on the England–Wales border. Nearby in Wales is the Vale of Ewyas at the Black mountains where the ruins of the Llanthony Priory exist today, first founded by the De Lacy family (c. 1100s). In comparison, the placename Urtchingfield (Irchenfield) is now named Archenfield. Irtchingfield was once in the surrounding area of a Roman fort named Ariconium. Later, Irchenfield became part of the post-Roman Welsh Kingdom of Ergyng from the early medieval ages. Again, today, the town named Archenfield (Irchenfield) is now a part of the English county of Herefordshire on the Welsh border.

List of Kings of Welsh Kingdoms as King of Britain

The Kings of the Welsh Kingdoms represented their country as King of Britain's post-Roman conquest for a few centuries before the emergence of the King of Wales title. The Kingdoms emerged in the 5th century as successor states to the Roman Provinces which stood in place for nearly 400 years. Both the Chief Governor of Cambria and Governor of North Wales title holder's descendants inter-marry as ancestors to the King of Wales. The Kings of Britain who were also Kings in Welsh Kingdoms in sub-Roman Britain began with Vortigern (founder of the Kingdom of Powys), son-in-law to the Roman Emperor and King of Britain, Magnus Maximus (Welsh: Macsen Wledig, father of Sevira) who through his wife's family was a descendant of the Governors of North Cambria (Wales). This was written on the Pillar of Eliseg in the 9th century.

Pendragon

The Celtic Kings of the Britain (Latin: Rex Britannorum) were given the title Pendragon which was similar to the Roman Emperor's title of Caesar. The title started with Uther Pendragon, father of the legendary King Arthur. The Pendragon name is associated with "a great leader; the highest commander". In the Old Welsh language pen meant a "tall hill; headlands or great heights". Pendragon as a Middle English term originated from the Welsh language. In Welsh, 'pen' (English: Head) can be deemed symbolic like a leader. Then, Pendragon- a Dragon is a legendary creature. Another example of the use of the title was during the 12th century for the Prince of Gwynedd, Rhodri ab Owain Gwynedd.

Welsh post-Roman Kingdoms

Gwynedd

Eventually, after the 5th century, Wales was unified and ruled again by the Brythonic Celtic tribes who inhabited the lands. The Kingdom of Gwynedd was established in North West Wales during the year 401 by Cunedda Wledig, a Roman soldier who hailed from Manaw Gododdin (Scotland) to pacify the invading fellow Celts from Ireland. The rulers of Gwynedd would establish a Kingdom as descendants of the final Kings of Britain. During the age of Cadwaladr (last King of Britain, Prince of Gwynedd c. 660s), his family settled the lands of Southwest Anglesey as patrons of St Cadwaladr's Church, Llangadwaladr, an inscription in Latin is still found in the Church today speaks of his grandfather (Cadfan ap Iago), "the Wisest and Most Renowned of All Kings". The King Rhodri Mawr later established a new dynasty (c. 870s AD) by constructing a royal palace at Aberffraw, it was named after the village it was located at, the House of Aberffraw on Anglesey, then in the Kingdom of Gwynedd.

Early medieval use of the title

Map of territories ruled by Rhodri Mawr, "King of Wales"     Kingdom of Rhodri Mawr

Following the departure of the Roman legions from Wales, the country had become fractured into divided territories, each with its own leaders. The first known person to actually call himself king was Rhodri Mawr (c. 820–878) and being from Wales he was by extension called the King of Wales, although he did not control all of the country. Nonetheless, he did unite much of the land under his power. Though he died in 878, the legacy of what he had accomplished was significant enough to act as motivation for future Welsh leaders to aspire to. This would eventually lead to the rule of Gruffudd ap Llywelyn (c. 1010–1063), the first ruler of the whole of Wales.

Gruffydd ap Llywelyn rules all Wales

Map of the kingdom of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn     Wales

From the smaller kingdoms of Wales eventually emerged four major powers: Powys, Gwynedd, Dyfed/Deheubarth, and Morgannwg. With Wales now developing into a more consolidated entity, it ultimately set the stage for Gruffudd ap Llywelyn in the mid-11th century. Alliances with Anglo-Saxon dynasties and Vikings helped him unite the country, and even conquer land belonging to the English. "In 1055 he absorbed Deheubarth as well, thus becoming in effect King of Wales". John Davies states that Gruffydd was "the only Welsh king ever to rule over the entire territory of Wales... Thus, from about 1057 until his death in 1063, the whole of Wales recognised the kingship of and notably peaceful rule by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn. For about seven brief years, Wales was one, under one ruler, a feat with neither precedent nor successor." After his betrayal and death at the hands of his own men, Wales fell into civil war with other leaders seeking to fill the void of power and become king.

Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was referred to as King of Wales or Rex Walensium by John of Worcester. He was the last of a long line of paramount rulers among the insular Britons to have the title of King of the Britons bestowed upon him, and possibly the only one to truly rule over all the (independent) Britons. By this time, if not earlier, Wales was the only part of Britain remaining under Brittonic rule.

List of medieval "Kings of Wales" claimants

The following is a list of those assigned or claiming the title of King or Prince of Wales, including "Sovereigns and Princes of Wales 844–1283". Some sources suggest Rhodri Mawr as the first sovereign of Wales, as well as the first to unite most of Wales. While many different leaders in Wales claimed the title of "King of Wales" and ruled majorities of Wales, the modern-day territory of Wales was only fully united under the direct rule of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn for eight years from 1055 to 1063 according to historian John Davies.

Depiction	Name & life details	Arms	House, Kingdom	Welsh Titles	Reign	Death & cause	Source
	Cynan Dindaethwy (Cynan ap Rhodri)		Gwynedd (insecurely from 754)	"King of all Wales" (Welsh: "Brenin Cymry oll")	798–816		Brut y Tywysogion Annals of Ulster Annales Cambriae
	Rhodri the Great (Rhodri ap Merfyn)		Gwynedd, from 855 also Powys, from 872 also Seisyllwg	"began to reign over the Welsh" (843 AD) King of Wales King of the Britons	843		Brut y Tywysogion Annals of Ulster
	Cadell ap Rhodri		Deheubarh	"ruled over all Wales" (877 AD)	877		Brut y Tywysogion
	Anarawd ap Rhodri		Kingdom of Gwynedd	"ruled over all Wales" (900 AD)	900		Brut y Tywysogion
	Hywel Dda(Hywel ap Cadell)		Deheubarth (from 920), from 942 also Gwynedd and Powys	"King of all Wales" (Welsh: "Brenin Cymry oll"	942–949/50		Brut y Tywysogion Annals of Ulster Annales Cambriae
	Aeddan ap Blegywryd		Kingdom of Gwynedd	"acquired all Wales from sea to sea" (1000 AD)	1000		Brut y Tywysogion
	Llywelyn ap Seisyll		Gwynedd and Powys; from 1022 also Deheubarth	"took the government upon himself...in his time the country of Wales was twelve years without war" "sovereignty of Wales"		1023	Brut y Tywysogion Annals of Ulster
	Gruffydd ap Llywelyn 1010–1063		Gwynedd and Powys, from 1057 also the rest of Wales	Rex Walensium ("King of Wales") King of the Britons (in 1063; in 1058)	Had "gained all Wales prior to 1037" Ruled modern day Wales from 1055 to 1063.	The Ulster Chronicle states that he was killed by Cynan in 1064, whose father Iago had been put to death by Gruffydd in 1039.	John of Worcester Annals of Ulster Brut y Tywysogion
	Gruffudd ap Cynan 1055–1137	House of Aberffraw, Gwynedd (insecurely from 1081)	House of Aberffraw, Gwynedd (insecurely from 1081)	"king and sovereign and prince and defender and pacifier of all the Welsh" (in 1136)	1137	Died in 1137, aged 81–82.	Brut y Tywysogion
	Owain Gwynedd 1100 – November 1170	Caernarfon (Retroactively attributed with no evidence of use.)	Gwynedd	King of Wales King of the Welsh Prince of the Welsh Prince over the British nation (in 1146)	1146–1170	Died in 1170, aged 69–70.	Brut y Tywysogion; contemporary charters.
Following this period, the title Prince of Wales only was used

King of the Welsh & Cornwall (Dumnonia)

Evolution into Prince of Wales

According to Dr Sean Davies, "in these straitened circumstances, and with outside observers ridiculing the status of Welsh kings, ambitious native nobles adopted the novel title of prince (Welsh: Tywysog, Latin: Princeps), in order to set them apart from their fellow "kings"." However, the title King of Wales was later used by at least one other Welsh ruler, Owain Gwynedd (c. 1100–1170). "In his first two letters to Louis, Owain described himself as "king of Wales" and "king of the Welsh"." His direct rule was, however, limited to Gwynedd. Owain was also the first Welsh ruler to be known as Prince of Wales. He ruled over much of Northern Wales, but a lack of success in military campaigns limited his ability to extend his control. After the death of Owain Gwynedd in 1170, the mantle of paramount Welsh ruler was taken up by Rhys ap Gruffydd (c. 1132–1197), who was called "Head of all Wales" by the Brut y Tywysogion on his death in 1197. His direct rule was limited to Deheubarth. For a list of Welsh rulers upon whom titles such as these were bestowed (leading ultimately to the title Prince of Wales), see King of the Britons.

Llywelyn II

Llywelyn the Last, the last Prince of Wales, was ambushed and killed in 1282. The execution of his brother Dafydd ap Gruffydd in 1283 on the orders of King Edward I of England effectively ended Welsh independence. The title of Prince of Wales was then used by the English monarchy as the heir to the English throne.

Owain Glyndŵr

During the period 1400–1413, following a rebellion against English rule in Wales, there existed a native Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr, and a Prince of Wales appointed by the English monarchy (who later became Henry V of England). Glyndwr a descendant of the final ruling houses from the Kingdom of Wales (and Llywelyn the Great Prince of Wales, via female line) would resort to guerrilla warfare against the English Crown and proclaim himself Prince of Wales from 1400 for over a decade. The native Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr, led Welsh forces against the English Prince of Wales and English rule in Wales. He incited and led what was called the Glyndŵr rebellion and allied Wales with the Kingdom of France and the King of Scotland. In a correspondence to Scotland, he spoke about their royal ancestor, Brutus of Troy the King of Great Britain who founded the Kingdom of Wales (Cambria) in relation to his enemy, the Saxons in England. The eventual defeat of Glyndwr's forces effectively ended Welsh independence. Since the death of Owain Glyndŵr in 1415, the Prince of Wales title has only been held by a non-native heir to the English (and later British) monarchy.

Welsh manuscripts

Listed are some of the Welsh manuscripts which were recopied or translated from original works dating maybe thousands of years:

• Book of Llandaff, c.1125.
• Historia Regum Britanniae, c. 1136.
• Mabinogion, c. 12th century.
• Welsh Triads (Peniarth Manuscripts / Red Book of Hergest), c. 13th century.
• Brut y Tywysogion, 14th century.
• Book of Baglan, 1600 & 1607.