Salomon of Cornwall facts for kids

Salomon (also known as Selyf or Selevan) was an important figure in Cornish history from the late 400s. He was a 'warrior prince' and might have even been a King of Cornwall. People remember him on October 18, which is his special feast day. Salomon was also the father of a famous Cornish bishop, Saint Cybi.

Salomon's Family and Background

Salomon was the son of Geraint ab Erbin, who was a prince from a region called Dumnonia. This information comes from old Welsh family records known as the Bonedd y Saint, which list the family trees of early British saints.

Salomon married a woman named Gwen ferch Cynyr. Gwen was the daughter of Cynyr Ceinfarfog. Her family had settled near St David's in Pembrokeshire. Gwen ferch Cynyr was also the sister of another well-known saint, Saint Non.

A Leader in Ancient Cornwall

According to an old story about Saint Cybi, Selevan (which is another name for Salomon) was a Cornishman and Cybi's father. Salomon was described as a princeps militiae, which means a "leader of soldiers" or "captain of the guard." He was active at a court located between the River Tamar and the River Lynher, possibly at a place called Gelliwig.

Some historians believe that Salomon was a "sub-king" of Cornwall. This means he ruled a part of Cornwall under a more powerful king. One idea is that he took over the kingdom from his cousin, King Mark.

Places Connected to Salomon

Many places in Cornwall are linked to Salomon. For example, Lansallos is thought to be a place that Salomon helped to establish or was important to him.

There's also a holy well belonging to his sister-in-law, Non, and a church named after his son, Cybi, in the area between Roseland and Grampound.

Salomon is also connected to St Levan in Cornwall and Penmon on Anglesey. At St Levan, on the cliffs, you can find St Levan's Well. Below it are what might be the old remains of his chapel. An old stone called the "Selus stone" at St Just in Penwith Parish Church is also believed to refer to Salomon.

Salomon in Brittany?

In a region of France called Morbihan in Brittany, there are four places linked to a Saint Saloman. However, some experts believe that this might be a different person entirely, not the same Salomon from Cornwall.