Post-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Caer-Guendoleu (Selgovae / Salway)

The name Salway evolved from that of the Celtic tribe, the Selgovae, who had settled the territory between the Cheviot Hills and Dumfries. Their capital was on North Eildon hill near Melrose, and the Romans later built the fort of Trimontium, at Newstead, nearby. This area crystallised as the kingdom of Caer-Guendoleu (named after the king who was most closely associated with the area, Gwenddolew, which has survived as modern Carwinley). This tribal domain may have been one of the 'four kingdoms of ancient Scotland' which apparently became establish in the second century.

By the end of the fourth century the bulk of the Selgovae northern and central territory seems to have been taken over by Alt Clut, and the remnants were part of Coel Hen's Kingdom of North Britain. As an independent territory, the Post-Roman kingdom centered on Caer-Guendoleu seems first to have been ruled by the son of Einion ap Mor, who was himself the first king of Ebrauc. Upon his death, his territory was divided between his sons, with Eliffer gaining Ebrauc itself, and Ceidio gaining the region north of the Salway (modern Solway). The new ruler's title reflected a remnant of Coel Hen's grander one.

When Ceidio's son was killed in battle in 573, close relatives in the powerful kingdom of North Rheged absorbed the territory, with Urien's two brothers ruling it, probably as a sub-kingdom. Once North Rheged had been crushed, its remnants, including whatever  remained of Caer-Guendoleu, seem to have been taken over and held into the eleventh century by Alt Clut, although the situation regarding this is extremely sketchy.

AD 82

Continuing a campaign which in the previous two years had secured the territory of the Votadini, the Roman governor of Britannia secures the western coast of Lowland Scotland up to the Clyde to contain the tribesmen there and perhaps prevent Irish landings.

c.505

Ceido inherits the western portion of his father's domain, gaining the remnants of the former Selgovae tribal territory.

c.505 - c.550

Ceidio ap Einion

King North of the Salway. Son of the King of Ebrauc.

c.560 - 573

Gwenddolew ap Ceidio

King of Caer-Guendoleu. Died at Battle of Arfderydd (Ann Cam).

573

The king dies in battle against Ebrauc and Dunoting at the battle of Arfderydd (Arderydd / Armterid / Atterith - modern Arthuret, near Longtown in Cumbria), the opposing forces being led by his brother and cousin respectively. Having no heir, Caer-Guendoleu passes into the hands of another cousin, Urien Rheged of North Rheged, and is ruled by his two brothers.

573 - c.616

Llew ap Cynfarch

King in the North. Brother of Urien Rheged.

573 - c.616

Arawn ap Cynfarch

King North of the Salway. May have ruled alone 616 - c.630.

616 - 632

North Rheged falls to Edwin of Bernicia and Caer-Guendoleu is absorbed into Alt Clut, to be amassed into one southern territory known as Cumbria (after the British 'people of the same land'; the Cymri).