After doing a little research on Cerdic, a theory popped up that I'd like some feedback on...
1. Both Vortigern and Cerdic are associated with a people named the "Gewissae," which possibly refers to the people of Gwent or Gwenydd.
2. Vortigern married Rowena, the daughter of Hengist, a Jutish warlord.
3. Cerdic, a warrior with a British name, shows up in Southampton supported by Jutish warriors (the archeological evidence left on the Isle of White is "Jutish") and others bearing the name Gewissae, which seems to indicate an origin or affilliation with Vortigern.
4. Cerdic is, more or less, permitted by the British "Government" to establish himself near one of the most important ports in the south, and is the only "Saxon" kingdom to make any serious advances following the Battle of Badon Hill.
Theory: Could Vortigern and Rowena have had a son named Elesa, who in turn had a son (presumably a "lesser son" who did not inherit land) named Cerdic?
If so, could this grandson of the expatriated King of Britain and the King of the Jutes of Kent, have gathered together followers of both kingdoms and established himself, possibly as a foederate at first and then later as a client king, in the south of Britain?
Could his ties to both "Barbarian" and British royalty have been the mitigating factor in his initial success in establishing the kingdom of the "Gewissae?"
I'd appreciate your feedback.
1. Both Vortigern and Cerdic are associated with a people named the "Gewissae," which possibly refers to the people of Gwent or Gwenydd.
2. Vortigern married Rowena, the daughter of Hengist, a Jutish warlord.
3. Cerdic, a warrior with a British name, shows up in Southampton supported by Jutish warriors (the archeological evidence left on the Isle of White is "Jutish") and others bearing the name Gewissae, which seems to indicate an origin or affilliation with Vortigern.
4. Cerdic is, more or less, permitted by the British "Government" to establish himself near one of the most important ports in the south, and is the only "Saxon" kingdom to make any serious advances following the Battle of Badon Hill.
Theory: Could Vortigern and Rowena have had a son named Elesa, who in turn had a son (presumably a "lesser son" who did not inherit land) named Cerdic?
If so, could this grandson of the expatriated King of Britain and the King of the Jutes of Kent, have gathered together followers of both kingdoms and established himself, possibly as a foederate at first and then later as a client king, in the south of Britain?
Could his ties to both "Barbarian" and British royalty have been the mitigating factor in his initial success in establishing the kingdom of the "Gewissae?"
I'd appreciate your feedback.
