Post-Roman Celtic Kingdoms

Caer Gwinntguic

From its regional capital at Roman Venta Belgarum (Winchester in Hampshire), the territory of the Belgae reasserted some form of independence in the early fifth century (if not before) as the defender of the westernmost section of the Saxon Shore. Saxon laeti were probably hired and settled on the south coast for this very reason. On its northern border was Caer Celemion.

fl 440s

Elafius / Elaf?

Recorded by St Germanus.

446

St Germanus' second visit to Britain sees off the last of the Pelagians and confirms Elafius' subjects in the Catholic faith. Elafius himself is clearly a Pelagian supporter until the visit, and by inference may have been a supporter of Vortigern's pro-Celtic faction in Britain.

c.465

Jutes from the Cantware group of invaders, or related to them, settle to the west of modern Southampton, while the Meonware settle to the immediate east of Southampton Water, threatening the territory's southern border. They absorb, or are absorbed by, the Saxon laeti who have been there since the beginning of the century.

c.495 - c.525

The south gate of Venta is blocked in two stages, probably in response to the settlement of the Meonware and the founding of Cerdic's West Seaxe kingdom. The territory's defences force the West Seaxe to advance instead towards the less well-defended west country.

? - 508

Natan / Natanlaod / Nudd?

Killed by the West Seaxe.

508

Cerdic's West Seaxe defeat Natanlaod's Britons in the area of Southampton Water.

552

Caer Gwinntguic falls to the West Seaxe, making its northern neighbour, Caer Celemion, very vulnerable on its less well-defended southern border.