Post-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Caer Baddan

This was a kingdom whose name has not been recorded and which was probably based upon its known capital of Caer Baddan (Roman Aquae Sulis, modern Bath). It was mentioned at the date of its conquest in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. It probably began life as part of a territory which also encompassed Caer Ceri and which was governed from Caer Gloui.

441 - 446

In the early 440s, in conjunction with Caer Ceri, the city's defences are repaired. But in 446 serious plague hits southern Britain and the Anglo-Saxon mercenaries in the east revolt. Caer Baddan presents a scene of chaos with raiding parties attacking the few citizens who remain resident. A Roman house of this precise period (located by archaeologists in Abbeygate Street) contains the severed head of a young girl which had been thrust into an oven.

c.550

Around this time, either upon the death of Aurelius or his successor in Caer Gloui, the single kingdom based at Caer Gloui is divided into Caer Baddan, Caer Ceri & Caer Gloui. This is probably a result of dividing the kingdom between sons.

?c.550 - 577

Farinmail / Ffernfael

Killed by the West Seaxe.

577

Caer Baddan is conquered by the West Seaxe during a major campaign and its last king is killed. It appears to fall first, as the British may have hurriedly erected an addition to the West Wansdyke where it seems to block  the Fosse Way. Such last ditch efforts prove fruitless and Caer Ceri and Caer Gloui also fall.

However, it appears that the Britons behind the West Wansdyke hold out. It seems possible that the three cities were receiving military support from Glastenning or Dumnonia, and that these kingdoms hold onto what they can of Caer Baddan after the city's fall. The Hwicce move into the remainder of Caer Baddan's territory.