Petroc Baladrddellt facts for kids
Petroc Baladrddellt (also known as Pedrog) was a king who lived in the 600s. He ruled a kingdom called Dumnonia, which is now the English West Country. His special name, Baladrddellt, means "Splintered Spear".
King of Dumnonia
Petroc Baladrddellt was the son of King Clemen ap Bledrig. Old Welsh records, like the Bonedd y Saint (which means "Genealogies of the Saints"), tell us about his family. Petroc was likely born around the year 600.
He became king of Dumnonia after his father, around 630. During his time as king, the West Saxons were often attacking Dumnonia. This was a difficult time for his kingdom, just as it had been for his father.
Petroc may have died around 652. This was when King Cenwalh of Wessex won a battle against the Britons at Bradford-on-Avon. After this battle, the West Saxons took control of large parts of Dorset and Somerset.
His Family
King Petroc might have had two sons named Culmin and Progmael. Some records, like the Book of Baglan, say that Culmin was actually Progmael's son and Petroc's grandson.
It seems that Prince Progmael may have died before his own father, King Clemen ap Bledric, who passed away around 654. If this is true, then Culmin would have become the next ruler of Dumnonia.
Petroc in Old Stories
Petroc Baladrddellt is mentioned in old Welsh stories and poems. One famous list, called Pedwar Marchog ar Hugain Llys Arthur ("The 24 Knights of King Arthur's Court"), names him as one of the three "Just Knights of Britain" in King Arthur's court.
In these stories, Petroc, along with Blaes and Cadog, was known for protecting the weak. They would fight anyone who harmed innocent people, no matter how strong they were. Petroc's way of keeping justice was through fighting fairly.
It's important to remember that King Petroc lived much later than the legendary King Arthur. He is sometimes confused with a different person, St Petroc, who was a Christian saint. The saint is even mentioned as one of the few survivors of the famous Battle of Camlann in some old writings.
Some historians also believe that the name Petroc (Pedrogl Paladrddellt) might be connected to the famous knight Lancelot du Lac from the Arthurian Legend.
