Uurad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Uurad (possibly Ferat or Feradach) |
|
|---|---|
| King of the Picts | |
| Reign | 839–842 |
| Predecessor | Uen |
| Successor | Bridei son of Uurad |
Uurad, also known as Ferat son of Bargoit, was a king of the Picts. He ruled for a short time, likely from 839 to 842 AD. The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland.
Uurad's name can be a bit confusing! Different old records, called "king-lists," spell his name in various ways. The most common spellings are Ferat or Uurad. Sometimes, it might even be spelled Feradach. These king-lists are like historical records that list the kings and how long they ruled.
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Who Was Uurad?
Uurad was an important leader during a time of change for the Pictish people. He was one of the last kings of the Picts before they joined with the Scots to form the Kingdom of Alba. His reign was quite short, lasting only about three years.
Uurad's Name on Ancient Stones
A historian named Thomas Owen Clancy believes that Uurad's name might be carved on a special stone called the Drosten Stone. If this is true, it would mean Uurad is one of only two Pictish kings whose names we can still read on these ancient stones. The other king is Caustantín mac Fergusa. Pictish stones are large, carved stones that the Picts created, often with symbols, pictures, and sometimes writing. They tell us a lot about their culture and history.
Uurad and the Story of St Andrews
There's an old story about how the famous town of St Andrews got its start. One version of this story says it was written by a person named Thana son of Dudabrach. This writing happened in a place called Meigle during the time when "Pherath son of Bergeth" was king. This "Pherath" is believed to be Uurad. This shows that Uurad was a recognized ruler in his time, even appearing in important historical tales.
Uurad's Family and Successors
Uurad had several sons who also became important figures. These included Bridei, Ciniod, and Drest. After Uurad's death, these sons, along with other powerful families, fought for control of Pictland. This period was a time of struggle for power among different groups. Eventually, a leader named Kenneth MacAlpin became very powerful. He is often seen as the founder of the Kingdom of Alba, which brought together the Picts and the Scots.
