Nest ferch Cadell facts for kids

Nest ferch Cadell was a Welsh princess from the 8th century. She was the daughter of Cadell ap Brochfael, who was a king of Powys. Nest was also known as the wife of Merfyn Frych, who was the king of Gwynedd.

Nest is an important figure in Welsh history. This is because of a story about how the kingdoms of Powys and Gwynedd became united.

Uniting the Kingdoms

In the year 855, Nest's brother, Cyngen ap Cadell, who was King of Powys, died. After his death, Rhodri the Great claimed control over the Kingdom of Powys. Rhodri had already become King of Gwynedd in 844, after his own father died.

By claiming Powys, Rhodri brought both kingdoms together. This made him a very powerful ruler in Wales.

Who Was Rhodri's Mother?

For a long time, people believed that Nest ferch Cadell was Rhodri the Great's mother. If this were true, it would mean Rhodri inherited Powys through his mother's family line. This is called 'matrilineal' inheritance.

However, there was a question about this. Why would Powys go to Nest's son, Rhodri, instead of to one of Cyngen's own sons? Cyngen had several sons, including Elisedd, Ieuaf, Aeddan, and Gruffudd.

Old Welsh laws, written down much later, do not show that women could pass on the right to be king. This makes the idea of Nest passing on the kingdom a bit confusing.

Different Stories of Inheritance

There are different old writings about Rhodri's mother. One old book says Nest was his mother. But another old book from the 1300s says his mother was Essyllt ferch Cynan.

Historians are not sure which story is completely true. However, it is thought that the royal family of Gwynedd might have spread the story about Nest being Rhodri's mother. This would have helped them show that their control over Powys was rightful. This story became a part of how people understood the joining of the two kingdoms.

Another View of Nest

Many historians today believe that the Nest who married Merfyn Frych was not the same Nest who was Rhodri's mother. They think Nest ferch Cadell actually married a man named Gwerstan. Her grandson, Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, later started the ruling family of Powys, known as the House of Mathrafal.

These historians believe Rhodri's mother was actually Essyllt, the daughter of Cynan Dindaethwy. Cynan was the last king of an older royal family called the House of Cunedda. This means Essyllt was Merfyn Frych's wife, not his mother.

So, some people think the story of Nest marrying Merfyn (or Rhodri) was just a rumor. They believe it was spread by Gwynedd's supporters to make the kings of Powys seem less important and to claim power over them.

In this view, the kingship of Gwynedd passed through Essyllt to her husband Merfyn. Then it passed to their son Rhodri through the female line. The same thing happened with Rhodri's wife, Angharad. When her brother, Gwgon, died without children, Rhodri gained control of his kingdom, Seisyllwg. Later, Rhodri's son, Cadell, inherited Seisyllwg through his mother's family.

See also

• Kings of Wales family trees