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THE BRITISH KINGDOMS OF
THE SOUTH

Southern Britain was the area most quickly overrun by the invading Saxon population. Only in the West Country did the Celtic spirit survive. Details of any South-Eastern British Kingdoms that may have emerged after the Roman exodus are therefore few and far between

Modern Dorset

There may have been an independent kingdom here based on Caer Durnac (Dorchester, Dorset) or possibly Wareham, where several early British memorial stones have been discovered. Its name is unknown but may have been something like Dortrig.


Modern Hampshire

Other British Kingdoms probably existed in central southern Britain, the Saxon heartland. One possible King was Elaf(ius) the British leader whom St. Germanus met soon after his second landing in Britain in the 440s. He may have ruled the area round Caer Guinntguic (Winchester, Hampshire). Another possible King, Nudd, may have been the King Natanlaod killed by Cerdic at the Battle of Netley (Natanleag) in AD 508.

Caer Celemion (Silchester, Hampshire) was certainly a centre for British resistance, as indicated by the protective dykes surrounding its northern borders. Legends of a giant named Onion living there, may indicate a King called Einion.


Modern Kent

Before the mid-5th century High-King, Vortigern, so rashly gave the Kingdom of Ceint (modern-day Kent) away to the growing Saxon ranks in society, it was also a British Kingdom under a monarch named Gwyrangon. He was not best pleased to find his kingdom snatched from under him.