Padarn Beisrudd facts for kids

Padarn Beisrudd ap Tegid was an important figure from ancient times in Roman Britain. His name means "Paternus of the Scarlet Robe, son of Tegid." He was the son of a Bishop named Tegid ap Iago, who might have had the Roman name Tacitus. Padarn was likely born in the early 300s in the northern part of Roman Britain, an area sometimes called the Hen Gogledd (Old North).

According to old Welsh stories, Padarn's grandson was Cunedda, a famous king. Cunedda came from a place called Manaw Gododdin, which is now the Clackmannanshire region in Scotland.

Padarn's Role in Roman Britain

Many historians believe Padarn was a high-ranking Roman official. He might have been in charge of a group of soldiers called the Votadini troops. These troops were stationed in the Clackmannanshire area around the 380s. The Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus might have given him this important role.

Another idea is that Padarn was a local leader in that region. He might have been given a Roman military rank because of his influence. This was a common practice along the borders of the Roman Empire. Padarn likely held his command until he died. After him, his son Edern (also known as Edeyrn or Eternus) took over. Edern was the father of Cunedda, who later founded the Kingdom of Gwynedd in Wales.

The Magical Coat of Padarn

Padarn is also known for a special item: his coat. This coat is one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain. These treasures are legendary objects with magical powers. The story says that Padarn's coat would fit any well-born nobleman perfectly. However, it would not fit a common person or a "churl."

There's an old book called The Life of Saint Padarn. This book sometimes mixes up Padarn Beisrudd with a Christian saint who had a similar name. It tells a story about how King Arthur once tried to take Padarn's tunic (a type of shirt). After this event, King Arthur supposedly became a Christian.

Padarn in Modern Stories

Padarn Beisrudd has appeared in modern fiction too. In the Britannia book series by M J Trow, Padarn is a main character. In these books, he is called Paternus. He is shown as a "limitanei" soldier, which means a soldier who guarded the borders of the Roman Empire, like Hadrian's Wall.