Introduction to Southern
England in Sub-Roman Times
by David Nash Ford
British
Kingdoms of
T H E S O U T H
Southern
Britain was the area most quickly overrun by the
invading Saxon population. Only in the
West Country
did the Celtic spirit survive. Details of any
South-Eastern British Kingdoms that may have emerged
after the Roman exodus are therefore few and far
between
Modern
Dorset
There
may have been an independent kingdom here based on
Caer Durnac (Dorchester, Dorset) or possibly Wareham,
where several early British memorial stones have been
discovered. Its name is unknown but may have been
something like Dortrig.
Modern
Hampshire
Other
British Kingdoms probably existed in central southern
Britain, the Saxon heartland. One possible King was
Elaf(ius) the British leader whom St. Germanus met soon
after his second landing in Britain in the 440s. He
may have ruled the area round Caer Guinntguic
(Winchester, Hampshire). Another possible King, Nudd,
may have been the King Natanlaod killed by Cerdic at
the Battle of Netley (Natanleag) in AD 508.
Caer Celemion (Silchester, Hampshire) was certainly a
centre for British resistance, as indicated by the
protective dykes surrounding its northern borders.
Legends of a giant named Onion living there, may
indicate a King called Einion.
Modern
Kent
Before
the mid-5th century High-King, Vortigern,
so rashly gave the Kingdom of Ceint (modern-day Kent)
away to the growing Saxon ranks in society, it was
also a British Kingdom under a monarch named Gwyrangon.
He was not best pleased to find his kingdom snatched
from under him.
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