Post-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Glastenning

The territory around and mostly to the west of Glastonbury was a sub-kingdom of Dumnonia, and came under its overall control. Based on Ynys Witrin (modern Glastonbury, which was known to the early Saxons in the region as Glestingaburg. It is otherwise known as the Isle of Avalon, 'Avalon' being an old Celtic word for apples, the legendary resting place of Arthur). The kingdom probably covered much of modern Somerset.

From the mid-sixth century its immediate rule was under the king of Dogfeiling, which itself was a sub-kingdom of Gwynedd. The son of Cyndrwyn Glas, Morfael, also became the ruler of the Roman city of Letocetum (Caer-Luit-Coyt) in the eastern half of Pengwern, and his younger brother became king of all of Pengwern, probably upon Morfael's death.

c.550

Cyndrwyn Glas (the Blue)

King of Dogfeiling & Glastenning.

577

Once the West Seaxe make the breakthrough of defeating Caer Baddan, Caer Ceri, and Caer Gloui, the heartland of eastern Dumnonia, and Glastenning itself, are under direct threat. However, it seems likely that the three cities had been receiving military support from Glastenning or Dumnonia, and that these kingdoms hold onto the West Wansdyke territory afterwards.

c.610s - 620s

It is around this time that the Britons of Glastenning found Glastonbury Abbey.

c.612

Morfael ap Glast

King of Caer-Luit-Coyt (Eastern Pengwern) & Glastenning.

c.645

Morgan Glas (the Blue)

King of Glastenning.

652 - 658

Two West Seaxe victories in 652 and 658 sees them occupy the entire Glastonbury region and the British kingdom ceases to exist. Ynys Witrin is rendered as 'Glestingaburg' by the local Somersetae settlers, and the abbey recently founded there survives and prospers.