Category: Kings of the Britons

Part of the United Kingdom Project and Ancient Royals and Aristocrats Project

Rex Britannorum

This category is intended to provide a convenient grouping that refers to the most powerful ruler among the Celtic Britons, both before and after the period of Roman Britain (c. 1BCE) and up until the Norman conquest of Wales. The Britons were the Brittonic-speaking peoples of what is now England, Wales, Cumbria and the Hen Ogledd in southern Scotland, whose ethnic identity is today maintained by the Welsh, Cornish and Bretons.

The title of King of the Britons varied during the time of its existence. Although the details are sketchy it appears to have been an elected position, generally the chief (King) of the strongest tribe. The first recording of the title appears in Roman texts where the title was held by the Trinovantes tribe. The first person (after 1 BCE) recorded as holding this title was Dumnovellaunos, of the Trinovantes, a son of Addedomaros (or Addedumaros), recorded, by the Romans, in 5 AD by that title.

After the 2nd Roman Invasion and during the conflicts and revolts of c. 60 AD these eastern tribes were all but destroyed and the mantle was taken up by the western tribes, initially amongst the Silures.

After the Roman period the title was often found amongst the Welsh (Cymry) tribes, as the last surviving tribes of the Ancient Britons.

It is intended as a supplement to other more complete lists of rulers of the divisions of Wales such as Powys, Deheubarth, Gwynedd, etc. This category uses the Wikipedia article, King of the Britons, although noting it is not always correct.

For questions contact Jack Day.

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