Clemen, King of Dumnonia
(Born c.AD 580)
(Latin: Clemens; English: Clement)

King Clemen appears in the traditional list of Cornish kings in the 17th century Llyfr Baglan as the son of King Bledric. One might suggest that King Cynegils of Wessex took advantage of King Bledric of Dumnonia's death by immediately invading Dumnonia (614). His armies apparently slew 2,065 men of the west at the historic Battle of Beandun (Bindon, Devon). If Clemen was leading the Dumnonian army, he was thoroughly defeated and probably retreated back to Caer-Uisc (Exeter). In his 'History of the Kings of Britain', Geoffrey of Monmouth claims that this city was later besieged by King Penda of Mercia, but the High-King, Cadwallon, arrived to defeat him. The three forces made an alliance together and marched against the armies of Northumbria who had invaded Gwynedd. He was traditionally succeeded by his son Petroc Baladrddellt. The name Clemen may, in fact, be a corruption of Glywys, and hence a confused memory of King Glwys of Glywysing.