Gwrfoddw
Encyclopedia
King Gwrfoddw was the King of Ergyng
, a south-east Welsh
kingdom of the early medieval
period. He usurped the throne from Gwrgan ap Cynfyn
.
, Gwrfoddw was victorious against the Anglo-Saxons
and granted lands on the Wye
to the Bishops of Ergyng in thanks. Dr. Wendy Davies
calculates his reign to have taken place between about 615 and 619. His son, Erfig, was ousted upon his death in favour of King Cynfyn's son, Gwrgan Fawr
.
. This is considered unlikely however, since the traditional Arthurian period was in the late 5th or early 6th century.
Ergyng
Ergyng was a Welsh kingdom of the sub-Roman and early medieval period, between the 5th and 7th centuries. It was later referred to by the English as Archenfield.-Location:...
, a south-east Welsh
South Wales
South Wales is an area of Wales bordered by England and the Bristol Channel to the east and south, and Mid Wales and West Wales to the north and west. The most densely populated region in the south-west of the United Kingdom, it is home to around 2.1 million people and includes the capital city of...
kingdom of the early medieval
Early Middle Ages
The Early Middle Ages was the period of European history lasting from the 5th century to approximately 1000. The Early Middle Ages followed the decline of the Western Roman Empire and preceded the High Middle Ages...
period. He usurped the throne from Gwrgan ap Cynfyn
Cynfyn
King Cynfyn was the King of Ergyng, a kingdom of south-east Wales in the early medieval period. He was the son of Peibio Clafrog.-Life:...
.
Life
According to the Book of LlandaffBook of Llandaff
The Book of Llandaff is a 12th century compilation of documents relating to the history of the diocese of Llandaff in Wales...
, Gwrfoddw was victorious against the Anglo-Saxons
Anglo-Saxons
Anglo-Saxon is a term used by historians to designate the Germanic tribes who invaded and settled the south and east of Great Britain beginning in the early 5th century AD, and the period from their creation of the English nation to the Norman conquest. The Anglo-Saxon Era denotes the period of...
and granted lands on the Wye
River Wye
The River Wye is the fifth-longest river in the UK and for parts of its length forms part of the border between England and Wales. It is important for nature conservation and recreation.-Description:...
to the Bishops of Ergyng in thanks. Dr. Wendy Davies
Wendy Davies
Wendy Elizabeth Davies OBE FBA FSA FRHistS FLSW is an Emeritus Professor of History at University College, London in England.Davies studied for her BA degree and PhD degree in history at UCL. Following positions in Munich and Birmingham, she returned to UCL as a Lecturer in Medieval History...
calculates his reign to have taken place between about 615 and 619. His son, Erfig, was ousted upon his death in favour of King Cynfyn's son, Gwrgan Fawr
Gwrgan Fawr
Gwrgan Fawr was a king of Ergyng, a south-east Welsh kingdom of the early medieval period....
.
Alternative interpretation
Some popular researchers identify Gwrfoddw with 'Gwrfoddw Hen', a son of Amlawdd Wledig and therefore the maternal uncle of King ArthurKing Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, who, according to Medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and...
. This is considered unlikely however, since the traditional Arthurian period was in the late 5th or early 6th century.
External links
- Britannia EBK Biographies: Gwrfoddw Hen One interpretation of the evidence