Etudes Celtiques

Y Pedwar Brenin ar hugain a farnwyd yn gadarnaf (The Twenty

Four Kings Judged to be the Mightiest)
Peter C. Bartrum

Citer ce document / Cite this document :

Bartrum Peter C. Y Pedwar Brenin ar hugain a farnwyd yn gadarnaf (The Twenty Four Kings Judged to be the Mightiest) . In:
Etudes Celtiques, vol. 12, fascicule 1, 1968. pp. 157-194;

doi : https://doi.org/10.3406/ecelt.1968.1423

https://www.persee.fr/doc/ecelt_0373-1928_1968_num_12_1_1423

Fichier pdf généré le 06/09/2019

Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN
A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF

(The Twenty Four Kings Judged to be the Mightiest)

BY
Peter G. BARTRUM

The earliest extant versions of this tract are two which

are found in manuscripts of the latter part of the fifteenth
century. One (Αχ) by Gutun Owain, and the other (Sx)
by an unknown writer. Twenty nine texts in all are
known to the present writer, of which six are copied from
extant manuscripts, three have appeared in print, and two
are fragmentary. An examination of their relationships
gives no reason to suppose that the original text was much
earlier than our earliest extant versions, and it is suggested
that the tract was probably composed in about the middle
of the fifteenth century. Its purpose seems to have been
to give a brief résumé of the more important kings men¬
tioned in Brut y Brenhinedd , the Welsh version of Geoffrey
of Monmouth’s Historia Regum Britanniae , their achieve¬
ments, and, in particular, the cities which they are said
to have founded. The author seems to have taken the
opportunity to add information which had come to his
knowledge, not found in the Brut. Some of this additional
matter can be traced to chronicles and other writings later
than the Brut in its various translations. There is also
information, evidently drawn from Welsh tradition, which
appears especially in the section on Macsen Wledig (§ 19).
There are minor points in which the information given is
at variance with the Brut at any rate with those versions
158 PETER C. BARTRUM

known to the present writer. These are perhaps errors of

the original author.
The chief interest in the tract, and the main reason for
preparing this edition, lies in those parts which add to, or
differ from, Brut y Brenhinedd. From the number of
texts which have survived it is evident that the tract was
well known in the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries, and
information scattered in Welsh manuscripts in prose and
verse may in some cases have been drawn from the tract.
Points of interest in the tract are discussed in the NOTES.
A work which certainly made use of the present tract is
Enwau a Bhyfeddodau ynys Prydain1. Some texts contain
a passage which follows very closely §§ 1-4 of the present
tract and may be a literal quotation from some version.
The earliest text is that in Jesus College, Oxford, MS 141
(after 1471). It does not contain the quotation. But it
occurs in Peniarth MS. 168 which contains a version of
Enwau a Bhyfeddodau by Roger Morris of Coed-y-talwrn,
1589, copied, as he says, from a manuscript of 'Syr’ Roger
Powys, dated 1514. Here the quotation is on fos. 12r-13r.
A later work which probably drew on the present tract
is Y storie Kymru neu Cronigl Kymraeg by Ifan Llwyd ap
Dafydd, written in the second half of the sixteenth
century2. My thanks are due to Mr. Brynley F. Roberts
of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, for
drawing my attention to this work and for other helpful
suggestions.

no
Kymraeg
1967/62
MS.2.
1.
standard
129
OnF,and
See »this
Astudiaeth
especially
byname,
three
tract,
Nia later
see
Lewis,
also
pp.
Destunol
TYP,
manuscripts.
xcvi-xcvii.
called
typescript
p.a cxxm,
Gosodiad
Beirnadol
The
thesis,
n. yr3,otext
Ynys,
and
« National
Yisstorie
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is
 y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 159

THE TEXTS

The majority of the texts fall naturally into two groups

A-E and H-N. These do not differ basically, but the
group H-N is somewhat fuller in certain parts, especially

in § 24.
close to be The
treated
textsas ofvariants
these two
of one
groups
basicare
text.
sufficiently
There

are two other texts of a more individual character. One

is the short text (S) which is interested in little more than
the foundation of cities. It is possible that S represents
a more primitive form of the tract, but this seems impro¬
bable, because, for example, Arthur and Kyswallan
[Cadwallon] are introduced merely to be dismissed on the
grounds that they « did not build ». For the same
reason Lludd replaces Beli Mawr of the commoner texts
(§ 13). The text of S is edited separately. The other
individual text is G, by Elis Gruffydd. It seems to be
nearer to the group A-E. See further page 161. It is
not considered important enough for separate editing.
Finally there are two fragmentary texts (F, P) which give
insufficient data for sure classification. Several of the
texts, especially those of group A diverge towards the end
in individual ways. Others have additional ‘ epilogues ’ of
their own. For this reason a special section has been
devoted to ENDINGS.
The code-letters for the texts have been chosen so as
to indicate the relationships of the texts as suggested in
the scheme on page 165. Closely related manuscripts
are given the same letter with a different suffix or affix.
A numerical suffix is used when one manuscript is copied
from another, e.g. Gx, G2, G3. An extra letter, minuscule,
is added for different manuscripts which are probably
derived from the same manuscript, e. g. Ea, Eb. Hypo¬
thetical texts are indicated by the subscript ‘o’, e. g.
A0, Z0.
 160 PETER C. BARTRUM

When a letter is given without suffix or affix, the whole

group of texts with this letter is implied. Thus G means
Gj G2 Ga, M means Ma, Mb, Me, Md. Med means Me, Md.
In the ‘ Variations ’, when this method is used, the
variation applies to the first of the set, and the rest of
the texts are to be assumed similar, but not necessarily
exactly the same. That is, there may be variations in
orthography or wording according to the circumstances.

Llyr
thediverge
other
seems
texts,
error
to Aiearliest
for
of
to
to
probably
Llansiephan
Kynvelyn
Lludd
the
have
atextant
original.
the
inomitted
belonged
§§
end
for
text,
MS.
15,
Kuhelyn
of 16
aHowever,
is§28,
few
to
24.
a good
which
pp.
the
in
which,
§214-221
perhaps
original
one
12.
the judging
and
writer
Like
by
goes
text.
probably
Gutun
so
was
from
back
many
economical
ItOwain,
the
to
comes
contains
other
the
consensus
original,
nearer
c.texts
in
1475.
thewords
itthan
of
error
andother
appears
This.
and
any
the
of

A. Panion MS. 23, pp. 181-195. No date. Probably by Evan Evans

(1731-1788). "Mewn llyfr o law Guttun Owein y cefais i hynn.” (p. 181 .
A fairly accurate copy of A1; except for differences of orthography. In
§§ 15, 16 Llyr has been corrected to Lludd. In j$ 23 Beli has been correcth
inserted, and in § 24 angen has been corrected to angel. There are small
omissions in §§ 7, 19.
B! Moslyn MS. 144, ''The Ked Book of Nanney”, pp. 319-328. Second
quarter of seventeenth century. A good text except that it diverges in
§ 23 into chronological details.
.B Cardiff MS. 26 * (= 2.40), pp. 19-24, c. 1714. By Moses
Williams (1685-1742). Probably copied from B It contains the same
digression in § 23. It is evidently for this reason that the writer added at
the end: Quaere verius exemplar, "Find a better text”.
C Peniarlh MS. 132 , pp. 107-112. Robert Vaughan of Hengwrt wrote
at the head of page 107 "Llaw Lewys Morganwc svdd yn calvn medd Rys
Cain”. I believe this to be an error, and that the writer of this section was
Lewys ab Edward (il. 1560). My reasons will be given in an article shorth
to be published in Trans. Cym. The pages are badly stained in places and
torn at the edges. It is the first of the group to mention the "Marchog
ef\ddol” in § 23. In § 24 it diverges in its own way.

* Numbers used in RWM.

 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 161

D Peniarlh MS. 212, pp. 313-322, by William Kynwal. Written after

2 1 Jan. 1563. It omits reference to the 10,000 virgins in § 19, and adds an
account about Billingsgate in § 13.
Ea British Museum Additional MS. 9b67, fos. 154r-160v. This part
curb seventeenth century? It is full of minor errors and omits § 6.
Eb Peniarlh MS. 137, pp. 247-251, by John ap Rhys, 1541. This is
a very abhre\ iated version, closely related to Ea. Section 6 is omitted.
F Civrlmatvr MS. 6, "Llyfr Tesni”, pp. 97-100, by Richard 'Ysgripiwr’,
1692. The text is abbreviated, the manuscript is torn and stained, and
the sections are out of order, indicating that it was probably copied from a
manuscript in which the pages had become disarranged. The sections
occur in the order, 1-5, 11-16, 6-10. §§ 17-24 are missing. The surviving
fragments suggest a somewhat individual text, but are insuflicient to classify
it with any certainty.
Gx Cardiff MS. 4* (= 3.4), pp. 109-117, by Elis Gruffvdd, 1327. A
highly individual text. Elis Gruffvdd preferred his own language and often
expanded the text by use of the Brut. There are some corrupt passages.
e.g. §§ 4-5 and 21. A notable addition is the founding of Colchester (5) 18).
It would be impossible to show all the main differences of this text by means
of Variations, but the more important differences of content have been noted.
G 2 British .Museum Additional MS. 13031, pp. 334-342, by Owain Jones
f Myfvrj, 25 June 1778 (p. 343). Copied from Gx as he states on p. 342: — 'Ύ
Cronici uchod a ysgrifennais allan [blotted oiitj yr hwn lyfr a ysgrifennodd
ac a gasglodd Elis Gruffvdd”.
Gi Y Brylhnn, Cyf. 2, Rhif 13 (Tachwedd 1859), pp. 193-4, and in reprint
of 1901, pp. 419-421. Printed text of G2.
H Peniarlh MS. 213, pp. 121-137, by John Jones of Gelli-lyfdy, 1604.
Copied, as he says, from the Book of Thomas ap Rhys ap Hvwel ap Ieuan
Fychan which was written in 1517. Unlike much of his writing, this is in
normal orthography. There are some minor additions not found in other
texts. See §§ 19, 22. Thomas ap Rhys was a companion of the poet
Rhys Nanmor (fl. 1480-1513' as we learn from a remark by John Jones of
Gelli-lyfdy in Mostvn MS. 133, p. 149. He was first cousin to Thomas Mos-
tyn (d. 1558 ap Richard ap Hywel ap Ieuan Fychan. See Peniarth MS.
287, p. 67.
Ja Cardiff MS. 6Γ {= 2.139), pp. 7-22, 1734.
Jb Hafod MS. 5 (= Cardiff 2.619), pp. 234-246, 1586. There is a gross
case of skipping, due to homoeoteleuton, between §§ 16 and 19, resulting in
the loss of §§ 16, 17, 18 and the beginning of § 19, as follows: Gwairydd ap
Kynoelyn ap Tenefan ap Llyr llediaith ac ef a umaelh tair kaer, nid amgen,
Kaer Ssallawc... Closely related to Ja.
162 PETER C. BARTRUM

Je Llanslephan MS. 60, pp. 139-144, c. 1700. Section 8 is omitted,

hence the title speaks of twenty three kings instead of twenty four. The
orthography is that employed by Thomas Wiliems of Trefriw (c. 1545-
c. 1622), John David Rhys (1534-1609?), and others, i.e. lh = 11, dh = dd,
bh = V. It is probably this manuscript which is referred to by Lewis
Morris when annotating a copy of the tract "Tri Thlws ar ddeg Ynvs Br\-
dain” made by his brother William Morris, See Éludes Celhques X, p. 452.
Jdi Hafod MS. 5 (= Cardiff 2.619), pp. 247-257. Early seventeenth
century? In this text an attempt is made to reconcile the tract with the
Brut in §§ 3 and 4. The supposed lengths of the reigns of most of the kings
are given in the text, and dates are given in the margin. Cf. Ka.
Jd2 Y Great, London, pp. 2-8, 1805. A footnote refers to Llijmjr Havnd
I'chdryd and it is clear that the printed text is based on Jdj with change of
orthography. There is an English translation of this text in The Camhru-
Brilon, Yol. 3, pp. 359-366 (April 1822).
Ka Cwrlmawr MS. 200, "Trvsor Gell Barddoniaeth”, pp. 264-273, b>
Lewis Morris, 1724. Concerning the manuscript from which he copied,
Lewis Morris says (p. 264): "Ouaere whether it be my great grandfather’s
hand, viz. William Thomas of Llanallgo, for the MS. was his.” Dates have
been entered in the margin. Cf. Jd.
Kb Llanslephan MS. 187, pp. 211-214, c. 1634. The text is very
abbreviated, but a few indications suggest that it comes from the same
source as Ka. Sections 21-24 are missing. Additions have been made in
a later hand from a related but fuller source. These have not been noted.
Ma Llanstephan MS. 135, pp. 52-56, c. 1600,
Mb Bodleian Additional MS. A. 281, fos 357r-362v, 1644-45. The
writer was a man of Brecknock.
Me Cardiff MS. 6 * ( = 2.83), pp. 110-120 (page numbers by J. G. Evans
at head of page), c. 1580. Although clearly derived from the same source
as MabdN the writer was evidently influenced by a manuscript of the group
A-E, for he has corrected Westchester to Chester (§ 5) and added the epithet
in Owain Finddu (§ 19).
Md Cardiff MS. 59' (= 2.136), pp. 191-199 (corrected numbering at
foot of page). Dated c. 1611 according to J. G. Evans in RWM, but he also
says that this manuscript was mostly by Thomas Jones of Fountain Galt*,
near Tregaron, who died in 1609. Section 13 is omitted. The title refers
to Twenty-one kings, but twenty-three are given in the text.
N Baglan MS. 2 at Cardiff, fos. 163r-175v, by John Williams, 1600-1607.
Edited by J. A. Bradney, Llyfr Baglan, London, 1910, pp. 132-139. An
English translation. There is a notable addition in § 24, and the end of
this section is a fairly full translation of the Brut.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 163

P Cardiff MS. 21 * ) = 2.39 , pp. 353-354, 1569. This text is incomplete,

covering only §§ 1-4. Its shortness makes it impossible to classify, but the
title found
not suggests
in other
that ittexts.
belongs to the group H-N. There are minor additions

Si Peniarth MS. 21 part 2, pp. 85-87, c. 1480. Second in date of the

extant texts. It is very short, being interested in very little beyond the
founding of cities. Like At it contains the error of Llyr for Lludd in § 15,
but it is correct as regards the name Kyhelyn in § 12. It omits Caer Gyflin
in § 22.
So Peniatlh MS. 207 pp. 204-210 by John Jones of Gelli-lyfdy 1635-41.
The orthography uses dots beneath letters as follows : ç = eh, d = dd, 1 =
it. r = rh, t = th, u - w. The text is probably copied from St, but the
additional word maivrwn occurs in the title, and Llyr has been corrected to
Lludd in § 15.
S3 Wynnstay MS. 10, fos. 188r-190r, by John Jones of Gelli-lyfdy
(d. 1658 V). It is in the normal orthography of the period, and is probably
copied from S2.

Hypothetical texts
Zo The hypothetical original text. It appears to have contained the
error of Llyr for Lludd in §§ 15, 16. From it were derived three texts:
Medium (X0), Long (H0) and Short (Sx).
Xo The hypothetical origin of the medium length texts. It contained
an additional error in writing Kynvelyn for Kuhelyn in § 12. From it were
derived A0, F and Gx.
Ao A hypothetical text derived from X0. Its main characteristic is
the epithet Finddu1 given to Owain ap Macsen in § 19. From it were
derived Au Bx and Co.
Co A hypothetical text derived from A0. Its main characteristics are
(L the reference to Marchog efyddol in § 23, and (2) the use of the words
eisiau rawn in § 7. From it were derived C and D0.
Do A hypothetical text derived from C0. In it an attempt was made
to correct Kynvelyn to Kuhelyn in § 12. This was misunderstood in the
copies which wrote Kynvelyn ap Kyhelyn. From it were derived D and E0.
Eo A hypothetical text derived from D0, and the origin of Ea and Eb.
Its main peculiarities were: § 6 omitted, § 7 Eisiau rauin omitted, § 12

1. Finddu also appears in Me, q. v.

 164 PETER C. BARTRUM

Caerberis identified as Nex, § 14 Cadwgan for Castration, g 24 Sacsoniaid for

Sexburgis.
Ho The hypothetical origin of the longer texts, identified in particular
by the reference to caerydd1 in the title, and an expanded version of § 24.
In § 12 the king is correctly called Kyhelyn, but in § 19 a mistake was made
in writing Rhun 2 for Bran. It was perhaps the manuscript of 1517 men¬
tioned under H. If not it was earlier than 1517. From it were derived
H and JM0.
JMo A hypothetical text derived from H0 and the origin of the group J-
N. It contained a large number of minor errors: § 5 Westchester for Chester3,
§ 8 Byd for Brad 4, § 11 Twrk for Ore 5, § 12 Dorchester for Dorchester 6, § 16
7
Wl Kesar for Qloyw Kesar § 19 Llwybrawd for Llywelyn braird s, § 22 Caer
Ddvganwy omitted; also in § 19 the variation uchaf cyff cenedl for cyff
cenedl9, and no epithet for Owain ap Macsen10.
Jo A hypothetical text derived from JM0 and the origin of the group J-
K. Its main peculiarities were in § 4 da for kadarn11, and in § 7 adenydd for
esgyll.
Ko A hypothetical text derived from J0 and the origin of Ka and Kb.
Its existence is rather doubtful owing to the abbreviated nature of Kb.
The only peculiarities which can be definitely ascribed to K0 are 4) an error
in § 18 which led to Caerfuddai being identified with Lysedr in Ka and
Exeter in Kb, (2) in § 19 Rhun corrected to Bran.
Mo A hypothetical text derived from JM0, and the origin of the group
M-N. The reference to the caerydd was dropped from the title, and it
added (1) Owr as the English equivalent of Soram in § 8, and (2j the making
of Watling Street in § 10. Me cannot be the original fsee §§ 1, 5, 13, 19), so
that M0 must be dated before c. 1580.

1. Omitted in MN but retained in the Endings of M.

2. Corrected in K and omitted in JbdMd.
3. Corrected to Siestr in Me, omitted in JabdK.
4. Omitted in JcKbMcdN.
5. Omitted in JcKb.
6. Omitted in Jbcda.
7. Corrected in KbMdN, omitted in Jb.
8. Omitted in JbN. The error also occurs in Eb.
9. Also, by coincidence, in A2.
10. But Finddu reinstated in Me.
11. Omitted in JdKb.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 165

PROBABLE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE TEXTS

Zo

Ea Eb

These relationships are explained on the previous pages.

There are minor similarities in the texts not explained by
the scheme. Some of these may be accidental, others
may be due to the use of more than one source by copyists.
See, for example, what is said under Me, above.

EDITING

The use of capitals, division of words, and punctuation

has been adapted in accordance with modern custom.
Square brackets are used for editorial insertions. When
a word or letter is suggested to fill a space where writing
has become illegible or lost, the insertion is in square
 166 PETER C. BARTRUM

brackets in ordinary type, but if the insertion is to rectify

an omission it is given in italics. Round brackets are
used to indicate letters or words of the text which should
be omitted.
The text given on pages 168 sq. below is fundamentally
that of Ax, and that on pages 185 sq. that of Sx. Words
in italics without square brackets are corrections or
additions taken from other texts. In most cases of
additions they are sufficiently frequent in other texts as
to suggest that the words have been omitted either acci¬
dentally or intentionally. The texts in which these
additions or corrections appear are shown under ‘ Varia¬
tions

The ending found in A does not appear in any other

version
Gutun Owain.
and seems
Thistois be
omitted
an individual
from the contribution
edited text and
by

given under 1 Endings ’.

In the ‘ Variations ’ a dash ‘ — ’ indicates that the item
concerned is omitted. See also page 160 above.

Titles

A See text below.

B, Llyma henwav y pedwar brenin arrhigain or rhai a farnwvd vn gadarnaf

ag yn wrolaf i cwngweriaid ai hadailiadav ag i roddi rhoddion ardder-
chogion.

B3 Llyma henwau y pedwar brenin ar hugain yr rhai a farnwvd yn gadar¬

naf ag yn wrolaf eu cwngcweriad ai hadiliadau ai rhoddion ardder-
chogion.

C Llyma henweu y pedawr brenhin ar hygeint o vrenhinoedd ynys

Brydein orhai a varnwyd yn gadarnaf, ac ynn wrolaf i gw[n]gwerio ac
y adeiliaetheu ac y roddi roddion ardderchoe. A llyma hwynt.
D Llyma henwav y pedwar brenin ar xx or Brytaniaid a farnwvd yn
allvokaf,ardderchawc.
roddion yn gadarnaf ac yn wrolaf i gwngkwerio, i adeilad ac i roi
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 167

Ea Llyma henway y pedwar brenin ar higain or Bryttanied a fvant orav ag

a farnwyd yn gadarnaf ag yn1 wrolaf i gwnkwerio ag i adeilad ag i roi
rhoddion ordderchog.
Eb Llyma henway y pedwar brenin ar hygain or Bryttaniaid ag a vyont
oray ag a varnwyd yn wrolaf i gwngkwerio ag i adeilad ag i roddi
roddion mawr.
F Llyma henway y brenhinoedd a farnwyd yn ore or Brytaniaid ei
gw(w)eithredoedd ai hadeilad ag i roi rhoddion. 24 sydd ohonvnt.
Gx Yma i dechre y llvvyr yr hwn a elwir yNghymrvavc y Kronickyl Byr,
yrhwn ysydd esgrivenedic ir dwyn kof am y pedwar brenin ar hvgain ac
a varnnwyd yn benna ac yn wrola or Brytaniaid i (i) edeilad ac gwnck-
werrio.

G2 Hanes 24 brenin a varnwyd yn benna ac yn wrola or Brutaniaid i

ddeiliad ac i gwnccwerio &c.
G3 Hanes y pedwar brenin ar hugain a farnwyd yn benaf ac yn wrolaf o’r
Brytaniaid.
H Llyma gronikl o henwav y pedwar brenin ar hvgain or Brvtanied a
varnwyd yn gadarnaf ag yn wrolaf gwnkwerwyr, ag i adeilad ag i roddi
rroddion, ar irai hynny a wnaeth y tair kaer ar ddeg ar hvgain o brif
gevrvdd ynys Brydain.
Ja Llyma enway y pedwar brenin ar higan or Bryttanied y rhai a farnwyd
yn gadarnaf y gwnkwery ag y adailady ag y rhoddi rhoddion ardder-
chawg, ar rhai hynny hefyd y wnaeth y tayr kaer ar ddeg ar higein
bryf gayriay ynnys Brydain, nyd amgen:
Jb Llyma henwav y pedwar brenin ar hvgain or Bryttaniaid a varnwyd yn
gadarnaf ac yn wrolaf y gwnkwery ac ydailiad ac y roddi [roddion j
ardderchogion a rhaini a wnaeth y tair kaer ar ddec ar hygain o brif
gayrydd ynys Brydain, nid amgen:
Je Yma y canlyn enwau y tri brenin ar hugain a bhu ar ynys Prydain yn
Concweru ac yn adeiladu ac yn rhodhi rhodhion ardherchogion, a’r
rheini a wnaeth y tair caer ar dheg ar hugain o bribh gaerau ynys
Prydain, nid amgen:
Jdj Llyma enwau y pedwar brenin ar igain o’r Brytaniad a farnwyd yn
gadarnaf ac yn wrolaf yn gwnkwerwyr ac i adailiad caerydd, a’rhain
a wnaeth y tair caer ar ddeg arhigain o brif gaerydd ynys Brydain vawr,
nid amgen y henwau:

1. an in MS.
168 PETER C. BARTRUM

Ka Henwe y 24 brenin o’r Brutanied a farnwyd yn gadarna ag yn wrola i

gwngcwerio ag i adeiladu ag i roddi rhoddion ardderchog, a rhain a
wnaeth y 33 o brif gaerydd ynys Brydain.
Kb Bedwar ar ddeg o frenhinoedd ardderchog am haelder adeilad a dewrder
o fewn ynys Brydain ar ôl cwrracb R. G. o Bengwern.
Ma Llyma henwev y pedwar brenin ar hugain o frenhvnoedd ynys Brvdein
vrhai a 1 farnwyd vn gadarnaf ac yn wrolaf y gwngkwervo ac y ddevliad
ac y roddi roddion ardderchogion.
Mb Llyma enway y pedwar brenin ar higain o frenhinioedd ynys Brydain
y rhai a farnwyd yn gadarnaf ag yn wrolaf y gwmkwerio ag y adeilady
ag y roddi rhoddion ardderchogion. Llyma dechray y henway hwvnt,
nvd amgenach na:
Mc Llyma enwav y xxiiii frenhinoedd ynys Brydain a rrain a farnwyd yn
gvdarnaf ag yn wrolaf i gwngkwerio ag i [ajdeilad ag i roddi rroddion
ordderchog, a llyma ddechrav i henwi.
Md Llyma henway vn brenin ar higain o frenhinoedd ynys Brydain.
N Heare are the names of xxiiij of the most worthiest of the kinges of the
hundred kinges of Brittones, hear in great Brittavn, and the names of
the principali citties which they have buvlded hearin.
P Llyma hennwav y brenhinoedd a vv yn ternassv ynys Brydan ag a
wnaeth y prif geyrydd yn yr ynys hon o Brutaniad.
S See text below.

TEXT OF A1

(except for ending, with minor additions

and corrections from other texts

Llyma henwav y pedwar brenin ar hvgain or Brytaniaid1

a varnwyd yn gydarnaf ac yn wrolaf i gwngkwerio ac i
adei[/]ad ac i roi rroddion ardderchog.
[1] Brutus ap Silivs ap Ysganivs ap Eneas ysgwydwyfn]
a wnaeth dinas anrrydeddus ar lann Tain ac ai gelwis

1. y in MS.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 169

Troia Newydd, ac a elwid wedi hynny Kae[r] Lvdd, ac a

elwir heddiw Llvndain o Gymraec1 a Lwndwn o Saesnec.
[2] Membyr ap Madoc ap Lokrinvs ap Brutus a vv
y renin kadarn, kvvion, ac a wnaeth dinas anrrydeddus ar
lan Tain yn y lie kad kanol yr ynys wedi hynny, ac ai
gelwis oi henw e hvn Kaer Vembyr, ac a elwid wedy
hynny Kaer Yosso, ac a elwir heddiw Rrydyehen o Gym¬
raec 1 ac Oxynffort o Saesnec.
[3] Efrawc ap Membyr ap Madoc ap Lokrinvs a vv
vrenin kadarn, ardderchoc, ac ef a wnaeth dinas anrry¬
deddus ar lann Duedd yn y gogledd, ac ai gelwis oi henw
i hvn Kaer Efrawc, ac a elwir heddiw Iork. Ar brenin
hwnnw oedcl Efrawc kadarn ac iddo y bu xxx o verched
ac vgain o veibion, a rraini aethant i Sarmania oli ond
vn mab a vv yn kadw y deyrnas.
[4] Brutus darianlas ap Efrawc kadarn a vv vrenin
kadarn G kyvion, ar holl ynys Brydain, [p. 215] ac a wnaeth
kaer a chastell yn y goglecid ar lan avon Alklud, ac ai
gelwis Kaer Alklud, ac a elwid wedi hyny Kastell y
Morynnion, ac a elwir heddiw Kaerlil o Saesnec.
[5] Lleon ap Brutus darianlas ap Efroc kadarn a vv
vrenin da, molianvs, ac a wnaeth dînas ar lan avon
Ddyfrdwy, ac ai gelwis Kaer Lleon oi henw e hvn, ac velly
gelwir eto o Gymraec, ac o Saesnec Jestr1. Ac yn yr amser
hwnnw yr edeilwyd Kaer Selem yngwlad Judia.
[6] Rvn baladr bras ap Lleon ap Brutus darianlas a vv
vrenin kadarn, krevlon, ac a wnaeth Kaer Gaingt a Ghaer
Wynt a Ghaer Vvnydd y Paladr ; o Saesnec, Kawntrbri
a Winsiestr ac Exedr1.

[7] Bleiddud ap Rrvn ap Lleon a vv vrenin kadarn,

mawr i allv ai gelvyddyd, ac a wnaeth dinas ar lann
avon Vaddon ac ai gelwis Kaer Vaddon, ac ef a wnaeth
yr enaint twymvn drwy gelvyddyd i vigmarsiaeth, ac ef
170 PETER C. BARTRUM

a wnaeth esgyll1 iddo i ehedec hyd yn Llvndain, ac yno

y tores i vwnwgl iar glochdy2 Apolw3, anAna allei ddisgyn s
o6eiseu rawn7.

[8] Llyr ap Bleiddud ap Rrvn baladr bras a vv vrenin

dwyvol, kadarn, santaidd, ac ef a wnaeth dinas ar lann
avon Soram, ac ai gelwis oi henw e hvn Kaer Lyr, ac a
elwir heddiw yn Saesnec 1 Laesedr. Ag2i hwnnw i bv dair
merched 3, ag 4 ni bv iddaw vn mabô. A 6 rrai o verched Llyr
a vv val y dywaid y Bryd 7 amdanvn 8 [p. 216].

[9] Dyfnwal moelmvd ap Klydno iarll Kernyw a vv

vrenin kadarn, kannmoledic1, a hwnnw a vesurodd hyd a
lied yr ynys, ai mynyddoedd, ai havonydd, ai fïorestydd,
ai fïorthladdav, ai ffrif aberav, ac ef edeilawdd dînas ar
lann avon Sabrina, ac ai gelwis Kaer Odor, kanis yr avon
vechan sy dyvod drwyddi a elwir Odor Nant y Baedd,
a heddiw y gelwir hi Brusto.

[10] Beli ap Dyfnwal moelmvd a [vv] vrenin ar holl

ynys Brydain, a Bran i vrawd a vv amerawdr yn Rrvvain.
Ar Beli hwnnw a wnaeth dinas mawr ar lan avon Wysc,
lie buasai gastell i Lion Gawr, ar gaer honno a elwid Kaer
Llion ar Wysc, a hono oedd y gaer bennaf o ynys Brydain,
kanis yno yddoedd vraint ac ystatus yr ynys, ar Saith
Gelvyddyd, ar Vort Gron, ar Archesgobaeth benaf or tair,
ar Gadair Beryglus, ar Trithlws ar ddec o Yrenhinawl
Dlysav ynys Brydain. Ac yn yr amser hwnw y gelwid hi
« Ail Rrvvain » o achos i theked ai digrived ai chydarned
ai chywaethoket1.

[11] Gwrgan varyfdrwch ap Beli ap Dyfnwal moelmvd

a vv vrenin ar holl ynys Brydain, ac a ryvelodd ar (I)Ork1
a Denmark a Llychlyn, ac a roes kynwys yr Gwyddyl yn
Ewerddon [p. 217] [y] rrai sydd yno eto yw hil ai rrywo-
gaeth2. A hwnnw a wnaeth dînas ar lan avon Vann, ac
ai gelwis Kaer Ewerydd3, ac [a] elwir heddi[w] Longkastr.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 171

[12] Kyhelyn 1 ap Gwrgan ap Beli a vv vrenin kadarn,

grassus 2, ar holl ynys Brydain, ai wraic a wnaeth yz ran
vwyaf o gyfraith yssydd yn yr ynys honn etto , a honno a
elwid (Kyfraiih*) Marsia 5. A hwnnw a wnaeth dinas ar
lann
hi Porsiestr6
y mor, oacSaesnec
ai gelwis
7. Kaer [B]eris, a heddiw i gelwir

[13] Beli mawr ap Mynogan1 a vv vrenin ar holl ynys

Brydain, a thrimaib a vv iddo, Lludd a Chaswallon a
Nyniaw2. A Llvdd a adnewyddodd Kaerav Llvndain ac
ai gelwis Kaer Lvdd, ac a vynnodd i gladdv yn lie gelwir
heddiw Lwdgad.
[14] Kasswallon ap Beli, brawd Llvdd ap Beli, a vv
vrenin kadarn ar1 holl ynys Brydaina, a hwnw a ymladdodd
ac Vlkasar, amerawdr Rrvvain, ac a wnaeth y Wledd
Vawr yn Llvndain, lie lias xx mil o warthec, ac o ddevaid
c mi/, a 1 mil o wyddav, a chapyldiaid ac adar gwylldion
a dofion mwy noe a allai neb i rrivo, a honno vv vn or
tair Gwledd Anveidrol yn ynys Brydain.
[15] Kynvelyn ap Tenevvan ap Lludd 1 a vv vrenin
kyvion, grasus, ar2 holl ynys Prydein 3, ac yn i amser ef y
ganed Krist yn arglwydd ni o Vair Wyry.
[16] Gweyrydd1 ap Kynvelyn ap Tynevvan ap Lludd 2
a vv vrenin tee, grymvss, santaidd, ac yn i amser ef y
bedyddiwyd Krist, ac i dioddevodd angav ar y groes.
A hwnw a briodes Gwenwisa verch [Gloy]w4 Kasar,
amerawdr Rrvvain, ar amera[wdr] hwnnw a wnaeth dinas
vawr 5 ar lann Hafren, [p. 218] lie bv y neithior, ac ai gelwis
Kaerloyw, ac a elwir heddiw Glowsedr.
[17] Lies ap Koel ap Mevric ap Gw[e]yrydd a vv vrenin
doeth, dwyvawl, ac a ddyvod i mynnai vod yn well i
ddiwedd no i ddechrav, ac a beris i vedyddio a chwbl oi
deyrnas a dysgv y ffydd gatholic i gan Eleutherius bab.
A dav brygethwr a ddoeth yma o Rvvain. I henwav

7
172 PETER C. BARTRUM

oedd Dwywan a Ffegan, a rrai hynny a ddvc yr holl

Brytaniaid yr ffydd gatholic.
[18] Koel (godeboc), iarll Kaerloyw, a vv vrenin da,
kywaethoc, a hwnnw a laddodd Asclepodotus1, amerawdr
Rrvvain2, ac a wnaeth Kaer Ffawydd a Chaer Vvddai.
Kaer Ffawydd yw Henffordd, Kaer Vvddai yw Chechest3.
Ac iddo y bv verch a elwid Elen, a hono a briodes Konstans,
amerawdr Rrvvain, a hi a elwid Elen lvyddoc, ac a gavas
y Groes Vendigaid.
[19] Maxen ap Llywelyn1, brawd Trehaiarn2, a vv vrenin
yn ynys Brydain ac amerawdr yn Rrvvain. Ar Maxen
hwnw a briodes Elen ver[c/i] Evdaf ap Kriadoc ap Bran3
ap Llyr llediaith. Ac ef a wnaeth Kaer Sallawc a Chaer
Vyrddin a Chaer Alvn. Kaer Salloc y [w r] Gaer yn
Arvon, Kaer Alvn yw Howlffordd. Ac ef a vv vrenin
vij mly[nedd] [p. 219] yn ynys Brydain, ac ef a ynillodd
Llydaw* ac ai rroes dan goron Loygr, ac ai gelwis Brytaen
Vechan. Ac yr Maxen hwnnw o Elen i bv dri mab,
Peblic a Chustenin ac Ywain vinddv4. [Ywain] a vv
varchoc vrddol, a Chustenin a vv dywyssoc yMhrydain a
chyff5 kenedl i bawb yno, a Ffeblic sydd sant anrrydeddus.
Ac yn yr amser hwnnw y gollyngwyd i Lydaw o ynys
Brydain c mil o lavvrwyr a xxx mil o varchogion vrddolion,
a /6 mi/ o verched gwyr kyffredin, ac xj mil o verched
boneddigion, a rrai hyny a aethant i Gwlen [yn] yr Almaen,
ac a verthyrwyd yno yn enw y gwir Dduw, a rrai hyny yw
Gweryddon yr Almaen.
[20] Ac yna wedy gwrthod o wyr Rrvvain yw teiyrnged
o ynys Brydain rrac blined ganthvn ymddiffin yr ynys,
rrac maint i digasedd ai rryvelav. Yna yr aethbwyd i
Lydaw i geisio brenin arnvn, ac i kad Kustenin1, brawd

* Llyddaw in MS.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN G AD ARN AF 173

i Aldwr brenin Llydaw, ac i ducpwyd [ef i] ynys Brydain,

ac i gwnaethbwyd yn vrenin. Ac [ef] a vv wr da, kadarn.
trugaroc. A thri mab a vv iddo, Konystans ac Emrys2
ac Vthyr bendragon. Ar Kustenin hwnnw a wnaeth
Kaer Wimbyr a Ghaer Went a Chaer Wrangon. [Ka]er
Wimbyr yw Warwic, Kaer Went yw [p. 220] Ghepysto,
Kaer Wrangon yw Wrsedr. A hwnnw a elwid Kustenin
waredwr. Eraill ai galwai Kvsten[in] vendigaid.

[21] Arthur ap Vthyr ap Kustenin a vv vrenin klodva [wr]

ar ddec brenhiniaeth ar hvgain, ac ef a elwid yn amerawdr
yn Rrvvain, a hwnnw [a] vv vn or brenhinoedd klodvorvsaf
or holl ddaiar, a haelaf a dewraf a thrugarokaf. A
Ghaerllion ar Wysc a garodd ef, ac a annrrydeddodd [ef]
yn fwy 1 no lie arali2. Ac ef a wnaeth llawer o grevydd-dai
a mynachlogoedd, ac a ossodes vywyd a br[ein]iav vddvnt.

[22] Maelgwn Gwynedd ap Kadwallawn 1 lawir ap Einion

yrlh ap Kynedda wledic 2 a vv vrenin kadarn, krevlon, a
hwnnw a w[nae]th Kaer Ddigoll a Chaer Gyffin a3 Ghaer
Ddygan [wy]4 a Chaer Gollwyn. Kaer Ddigoll yw Ymwy-
thic, Kaer Gyffin [yw] Aber Konwy, Kaer Gollwyn yw
Harddlech. A mab a merch a vv i Vaelgwn; Rrvn oedd
y mab, Evrgain oedd y verch.

[23] Cadwallawn1 ap Kadvan ap Iago [ap Bell] ap

Rrvn ap Maelgwn Gwynedd a vv vrenin kadarn, a hwnnw
a ymJaddodd ar est[ron] [p. 221] [g]enedl, ac ai lladdodd
ac ai gyrodd ar ffo yn vynych, ac ef a orvv bob amser
arnvnt. Ac ef a vv vrenin ar holl ynys Brydain wyth
mlynedd a devgain. A ffann vv varw ef a irwyd i yorff2
ac eliav 3 gwyrthvawr, ai roi mewn delw o evydd ar borth
Llvndain, ir4 arvlhder ir Saeson 5.

[24] Kadwaladr vendigaid ap Kadwallon 1 a vv vrenin

santaidd, bendigedic ar ynys Brydain vn vlynedd ar ddec,
ac yna i mynnodd Duw roi newyn a marwolaeth yn yr
174 PETER C. BARTRUM

ynys, val i bv raid iddo fïo hyd yn Llydaw, ar2 rann vwyaf
or bopylz, raci y demesil honno5. Ac yna i doeth Sexbursius6
i ynys Brydain, a ffedwar kanmil o wyr Sermania gyda hi,
i oresgyn ynys Brydain. Ac7 i llynghessawdd yntav i
ddyvod ir mor, ac idd erchis yr angel* iddo beidio8. A
hwnnw [a] vv y brenin diwaethaf or Brytaniaid, ac iddo
i bv drimaib, Ivor ac Alan ac Idwal iwrch. Ar 9 rrai
hynny a vouant dywysogion ar Gymrv ag ni bv vn brenin
onaddvnt10.

Variations
Title. 1. or Brytaniaid D, similarly EFGHJabdKaN, ynys Brydein C,
similarly JcKbM, -AB.
2. ardderchoc C similarly DEaJaKaMe, ardderchogion BJbcMab,
mawr Eb.
§ 1 (Brutus) 1. o Gymraec G. similarly BEaJabcKaM.
§ 2 (Membyr) 1. o Gymraec C, similarly HJabKaM.
§ 3 (Efrog).
See Additions.

§ 4 (Brutus Darianlas) 1. Kadarn B, similarly GFHMP, da JabcKa.

See Additions.

§ 5 (Lleon) 1. Westsiestr Ma similarly JcMbdN, -JabdKab.

§ 6 (Rhun Baladr Bras) Section omitted E.
1. Laesedr H, Wsestr Ka.
§ 7 (Bleiddud) 1. adenydd Kb, similarly JKa. 2-3. glochdy A, glochdv
saint Pawl B, glochty Pawl CE H, klochdy Llvndain D, yn y lie y may
yn awr glochdy saint Pawl ebystol M, similarly JN. glochty tvmyl
Apolw Gj, glochdy tymyl G2G3.
4-5. So C, similarly BHJKaM.
6-7. So C, similarly D.
8-9. eisie kynfTon H, similarly JKaN, eisie kwttws Mc, similarly Mad,
ise bod kynfon ne gwttws yddo Mb, mwy byth B.

angen in MS.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 175

8 'Llyr) Section omitted Je.

1. vn Saesnec C, similarly BHJabdKaM.
2-3. So H, similarly BCDEJabdKaMN.
4-5. So H, similarly BEJabdKaMN.
6-8. So H, similarly BCJabdKaMab.
7. Brvd Bd Brut C, Byd JbdKaMab, By Ja.
See Additions.
9 (Dyfnwal Moelmud) 1. kannmoledic G, similarly BGHJKaM.
10 .BeliAdditions.
See ap Dyfnwal) 1. ai chywaethoket B, similarly CDEaHJKaM.

11 .'Gwrgan Farfdrwch) 1. Twrk Ka, similarly JabdMN, -FJcKb.

2. ai rrywogaeth C, similarly BEaJKaMac.
3. Ewerydd ABG, Wervdd CEaFHJcKa, Weryd DJabKb, Wyryd Jd,
Wessvdd MabcN, Nessidd Md.
See Additions.
12 ì'Cuhelyn) 1. Kvhelyn H, similarly JKMN.
Kynvelyn A, similarly BCFG.
Kynvelyn ap Kyhelyn D, similarly E.
2. grassus C, similarly BJKaMabd, gallvs DEa.
3-5. So C, similarly BEGJKaM.
ai wraic a wnaeth kvfraith arvav yr honn a elwir Marsialyslaw A!.
ai wraic oedd F arssia a honno a wnaeth yr holl gyfraith a elwir Marssial
law D, a honno a elwid Marsia, ai chyfraith 'Kvfraith Marsia’ H.
4. Only CH. 5. Magia B, Marsial Ka, Mergia G.
6. Dorssiestr Ma, similarly Jad2KbMbd,
Dorcester* N, Dosed Mc, Nex E, -DJbcdxKa.
7. o Saesnec C, similarly BHJaMabc.
Section omitted Md.
13 .Beli Mawr) Section omitted Md. 1. Manogan ap Kapwyr B, Manogen
ap Capaur Je, Manogan teinad ap Kywryd Ma, Mynogan ap Kywryd
Mc, Madog ap Tannad Ja.
2. Afallach D Nynnyn B, Bryniaw Ma, similarly JaKaMbc, Rheinalht
Je.
See Additions.
14 'Caswallon) 1-2. So C, similarly BDEaJcMc,
See Additions.
15 (Cynfelyn) 1. Lludd A2DJcKb, Llyr ACEGKaMb, -FHJabdMacdN
2-3. So G, similarly BEaGJKM.

JYof Doncester as printed.

176 PETER C. BARTRUM

§ 16 (Gweirydd) Section defective Jh. 1. Gwerydd ap Gwyd ap Kynfel-

yn D, Gwraidd ap Gwdr ap Kvnvelyn Ea, Gwraidd ap Kynfelyn Eb.
2. Lludd AgJcKbN, Llyr AjBGJabMac, -DEFGHJdKaMbd.
3. grvmvs B, similarly CHJacM, rhadlon BDEaFHJadMc.
4. W1 Ka, similarly JcdMabc, Iarli Ja.
5. vawr C, similarly BHJcKaM.
§ 17 (Lies) Section missing FJb. See Additions.
§ 18 (Goel) Section missing FJb.
1. Assili G.
2. ymrodr Rvfain ac a fv ymerodr yn i le D.
3. Lysedr Ka, Exceter Kb.
See Additions.

§ 19 (Macsen) Section missing F, defective Jb.

1-2. Llwybrawd ap Trahaern Ma, similarly JaMbd, Llwybrod brawd
Tiyhayarn Mc, similarly EbJdKa(Kb).
Lhwvbred Je, -JbN.
3. Rrvn H, similarly JacMabcN, -JbdMd.
4. vinddv A, similarly BMc, veinddu C, winevddv E, ddu GH, no
epithet JKaMabdN, -Kb, illegible D.
5. uchaf cyff A2, similarly JcdKaMacd, vehaf JabMb, -Kb.
6. So C, similarly most other texts, xlx At, -A2.
See Additions.

§ 20 (Custennyn Fendigaid) Section missing F. 1. Kvstennin ap Kadfor

H.
2. Emrys wledig H.
§ 21 (Arthur) Section missing FKb. 1-2. So B, similarly CDEaHJKaM
vwyaf AG.
§ 22 (Maelgwn Gwynedd) Section missing FKb. 1-2. So C.
1. Kaswallan llawir A, similarly most other texts.
3-4. a Chaer Goffwy Ea, a Ghaer Gonwy Eb, a Thibagus C, -JKaMN.
See Additions.

§ 23 (Cadwallon) Section missing FKb, incomplete B, see Additions.

1. So CEJc, Kadallawn Me, Kasswallon A, similarly all other texts.
2. D, similarly EGHJKaMN.
3. eli ac A1; eli A2, eliav H, enain Mb, ireideu C, similarly DEJKa-
Macd, -BG.
4-5. Only H. See Additions.
§ 24 (Cadwaladr) Section missing FKb. 1. Kysswallon A, similarly most
other texts. 2-3. So C, ag yw ddyledogion H. 4-5. So Ma, similar¬
ly HJKaMcd, -Mb. 6. Sexbursses D, Sexbwrsia brenhines Sermania
 y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 177

H, Sacsbwrda Je, Saxbwrga JdMc, Sexburga MbN .Saxsburgen, yr

hon a oedd dywysoges G, Saxbwrfa JaMa, Saxbwrba Jb, Sexbarba
Md, Saesson S (See Endings), Saxonied gynta Ea, Sacsoniaid KaEb,
-B.
7-8. So A, similarly BEa, — Eb, Y brenin ni ddoeth adref bvth, ond i
Rvfain yr aeth, ac yno y bv farw ac y kladdwyd D, A phan glybv
Kydwaladvr hynnv, paratoi llynges a wnaeth o Lydaw i ddyfod ty ar
ynys honn, a phan oeddvnt yn hwyliaw ar y mor, yr orchis angel iddo na
ddevai mwy i ynys Brydain namyn troi drachefyn, a dywedvd vod
Dvw wedi sorri wrth y Brytanied am i pechodav, ag yna y troes Kyd-
waladyr yn i ol ag yddaeth i Rvfain, ag yno y bv varw. H, similarly
JKaM. 9-10. So H, similarly BGJKaM. GN are individual.
See Additions and Endings.

TRANSLATION

Here are the names of the twenty four kings of the

Britons judged to be the mightiest and the bravest in
conquest and in building and in giving excellent gifts.
1. Brutus son of Silvius son of Ascanius son of Aeneas
Whiteshield founded a noble city on the bank of the
Thames and he called it New Troy. After that it was
called Caer Ludd, and today it is called Llundain in Welsh
and London in English.
2. Membyr son of Madog son of Locrinus son of Brutus
was a mighty, just king. He founded a noble city on
the bank of the Thames, in the place which was later
found to be the middle of the island. He called it, from
his own name, Caer Fembyr, and it was called Caer Foso
after that. Today it is called Rhydychen in WTelsh and
Oxford in English.
3. Efrog son of Membyr son of Madog son of Locrinus
was a mighty, excellent king. He founded a noble city
on the bank of the Duedd in the north, and called it
from his own name, Caer Efrog, and today it is called
York. He was [called] Efrog the Mighty, and he had
178 PETER C. BARTRUM

thirty daughters and twenty sons. They all went to

Germany except one holding the monarchy.
4. Brutus Greenshield son of Efrog the Mighty was a
mighty , just king over the whole island of Britain. He
founded a fortress and castle in the north on the bank
of the river Alclud ( rede Clud, Clyde), and called it Caer
Alclud [Dumbarton]. After that it was called the Castle
of Maidens, and today it is called Carlisle in English.
5. Lleon son of Brutus Greenshield son of Efrog the
Mighty was a good, praiseworthy king. He founded a
city on the bank of the river Dee, and called it Caerlleon
from his own name. And so it is still called in Welsh,
and in English, Chester. At that time Jerusalem was
built in the country of Judaea.
6. Rhun Broadspear son of Lleon son of Brutus Green¬
shield was a mighty, terrible king. He founded Caer
Gaint and Caer Wynt and Caer Fynydd y Paladr; in
English, Canterbury, Winchester and Exeter.
7. Bleiddud son of Rhun son of Lleon was a mighty
king, great in power and skill. He founded a city on
the bank of the river Baddon and called it Caer Faddon.
[Bath], and he made the hot bath through his skill in
necromancy. He made wings for himself to fly to London.
and there he broke his neck [by falling] from the steeple
of Apollo , being unable to alight , through lack of a tail.
8. Llyr son of Bleiddud son of Rhun Broadspear was a
godly, mighty, holy king. He founded a city on the
bank of the river Soar, and called it, from his own name.
Caer Lyr. And it is called today in English , Leicester.
He had three daughters and no son. It is about these
daughters of Llyr that the Brut speaks.
9. Dyfnwal Moelmud son of Clydno, earl of Cornwall.
was a mighty king and highly praised. He measured the
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 179

breadth of the island and its mountains, rivers, forests,

harbours and chief estuaries. He built a city on the
bank of the river Severn, and called it Caer Odor. For
the little river that flows through it is called Odor Nant
of the Boar. And today it is called Bristol.

10. Beli son of Dyfnwal Moelmud was king over the

whole island of Britain, and Bran, his brother, was emperor
in Rome. Beli founded a great city on the bank of the
river Usk, where Llion the Giant had had a castle. And
that fortress was called Caerleon on Usk. That was the
chief fortress of the island of Britain, for the dignity and
state of the island were there, and the Seven Arts, and the
Round Table, and the chief Archbishopric of the three,
and the Perilous Chair, and the Thirteen Kingly Treasures
of the island of Britain. At that time it was called a
« Second Rome » because it was so beautiful, pleasant,
powerful and wealthy.

11. Gwrgan Cutbeard son of Beli son of Dyfnwal

Moelmud was king over the whole island of Britain.
He waged war on Orkney, Denmark and Norway, and
gave admission in Ireland to the Irish, whose posterity
and kind are there still. He founded a city on the bank
of the river Vann which was called Caer Ewerydd, and
today it is called Lancaster.

12. Cuhelyn son of Gwrgan son of Beli was a mighty,

gracious king over the whole island of Britain. His wife
made the greatest part of the Law which is still in the island ,
and she) (it) was called (the law of) Marsia. He founded
a city on the sea-shore, and called it Caer Beris. Today
it is called Porchester in English.

13. Beli the Great son of Mynogan was king over the
whole island of Britain. He had three sons, Lludd,
Gaswallon and Nynnio. Lludd renovated the walls of

7—1
180 PETER C. BARTRUM

London and called it Caer Ludd. He desired to be buried

in the place called Ludgate today.
14. Caswallon son of Beli, brother of Lludd, was a
mighty king over the whole island of Britain. He fought
with Julius Caesar, emperor of Rome, and made the
Great Feast in London, where twenty thousand cattle
were slain, with a hundred thousand sheep, and fifty
thousand geese, and of capons and birds, wild and tame.
more than could be counted. That was one of the Three
Immense Feasts in the island of Britain.

15. Cynfelyn son of Teneufan son of Lludd was a just,

gracious king over the whole island of Britain. In his
time Christ our Lord was born of the Virgin Mary.
16. Gweirydd son of Cynfelyn son of Teneufan son of
Lludd was a fair, powerful , holy king. In his time Christ
was baptized, and suffered death on the cross. He
married Gwenwisa, daughter of Claudius Caesar, emperor
of Rome. And that emperor founded a great city on the
bank of the Severn, where the marriage feast was. He
called it Caer Loyw, and today it is called Gloucester.
17. Lies son of Coel son of Meurig son of Gweirydd was
a wise, godly king. He said that he wished his end to be
better than his beginning. He caused himself to be
baptized with the whole of his kingdom, and to be taught
the Catholic faith by Pope Eleutherius. Two preachers
came here from Rome. Their names were Dwywan and
Ffegan, and they brought all the Britons to the Catholic
faith.

18. Coel (Godebog), earl of Gloucester, was a good.

powerful king. He slew Asclepiodotus, emperor of Rome.
and founded Caer Ffawydd and Caer Fuddai. Caer
Ffawydd is Hereford, and Caer Fuddai is Chichester.
He had a daughter named Elen who married Constans,
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 181

emperor of Rome. She was called Elen of the Hosts, and

obtained the Blessed Cross.

19. Macsen son of Llywelyn, brother of Trahaearn, was

king in the island of Britain and emperor of Rome.
Macsen married Elen daughter of Eudaf son of Caradog
son of Bran son of Llyr Half-speech. He founded Caer
Sallog and Caer Fyrddin and Caer Alun. Caer Sallog is
Caernarvon, and Caer Alun is Haverford. He was king
for seven years in the island of Britain. He conquered
Armorica and put it under the Crown of Lloegr, and he
called it Little Britain. Macsen had three sons by Elen,
Peblig, Custennin and Owain Blacklip. [Owain] was a
noble knight, Custennin was prince in Britain and ancestor
of all [the princes] there, and Peblig was an honourable
saint. At that time a hundred thousand labourers and
thirty thousand noble knights, fifty thousand daughters
of common men and eleven thousand daughters of nobles
were sent from the island of Britain to Armorica. They
went to Cologne in Germany, and were martyred there in the
name of the true God. They are the Virgins of Germany.
20. Then [there came] from the men of Rome a rennn-
ciation of their tribute from the island of Britain, because
they were so tired of protecting the island, and because
of the magnitude of their [own] discord and wars. After
that [a deputation of the Britons] went to Armorica to
find a king for themselves, and Custennin was found,
brother of Aldwr, king of Armorica. He was brought
to the island of Britain and made king. He was a good
man, mighty and merciful. And he had three sons,
Constans, Emrys and Uthyr Bendragon. Custennin
founded Caer Wimbyr and Caer Went and Caer Wrangon.
Caer Wimbyr is Warwick, Caer Went is Chepstow, and
Caer Wrangon is Worcester. He was called Custennin
the Deliverer. Others called him Custennin the Blessed
182 PETER C. BARTRUM

21. Arthur son of Uthyr son of Custennin was a famous

king over thirty kingdoms, and he was called emperor of
Rome. He was one of the most famous kings in the
whole world, and the most generous and bravest and most
merciful. He loved Caerleon on Usk and honoured it
more than any other place. He founded many religious
houses and monasteries, and granted them wealth and
privileges.
22. Maelgwn Gwynedd son of Cadwallon Longhand son
of Einion the Stricken son of Gunedda Wledig was a
mighty, terrible king. He founded Caer Ddigoll, Caer
Gyffin, Caer Ddyganwy and Caer Gollwyn. Caer Ddigoll
is Shrewsbury, Caer Gyffin is Aber Conwy, and Caer
Gollwyn is Harlech. Maelgwn had a son and a daughter.
The son was Rhun, the daughter Eurgain.
23. Cadwallon son of Cadfan son of lago son of Beli
son of Rhun son of Maelgwn Gwynedd was a mighty king.
He fought with the foreigners, slew them and often put
them to flight, and overcame them every time. He was
king over the whole island of Britain forty eight years.
And when he was dead his body was anointed with precious
ointments, and put into a brass statue on the gate of
London, as a terror to the Saxons.
24. Cadwaladr the Blessed son of Cadwallon was a holy,
blessed king over the island of Britain eleven years.
Then God willed to bring famine and mortality on the
island, so that it was necessary for him to flee to Armorica
with the greatest part of the people , because of that scourge.
Then Sexburgis came to the island of Britain, and four
hundred thousand men of Germany with her, to invade
the island of Britain. And he [Cadwaladr] prepared a
fleet to go to sea, but the angel ordered him to desist.
He was the last king of the Britons, and he had three sons,
Ifor, Alan and Idwal the Roebuck. They were princes
over the Cymry and none of them was king.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 183

SIGNIFICANT additions

§ 3 (Efrog' Efe a adailadoedd dinas arali yr honn a elwid Caer Alclyd, a

chasteli yr hwn a elwir Castell y Morynion ar Fynvdd y Tristvd. Jd.
Ar lan afon Dveddyn yn Bros Blevddud. P.
§ 4 Brutus Darianlas) Ac ef a orffennodd adailadv r dînas a ddechreusau
ei dad ar lann afon Alklyd yn y gogledd, yr honn a elwyd y pryd hynny
Castell y Morwynion, ac a elwir heddiw yn Saesneg Caerliel. Jd.
8 Llyr) Ssoram, yr hon afon a elwir o Ssaissnec Owr. Ma, similarly
MbcdN.

§ IO Beli ap Dyfnwal) Ar Beli hwnnw a beris gwnythvr Watlvng Ystryd

yn Llyndain, ar dday vrodyr hwnnw Beli a Bran y vyant yn rayno
ddengmylynedd ar higain a thrvchant kyn geni Krist. Ma, similarly
MbcdN. Beli a wnaeth Borth Beli yn Llundain, hynny oedd cyn
geni Jesu Grist 370. Kb.
§ 11 ' Gwrgan Farfdrwch) ...Ywerddon, i vod dan goron Brydain yntwy
ai hiliogaeth yn dragwyddol, y rrai... H.
...Ewerrdon, drwy wnevthvr vuyddiayth1 i goron Lundain, yrhain...G.
§ 13 Beli Mawr) Beli mawr ap Mynogan a fu frenin ar yr holl ynys ac a
wnaeth hafn a fforth a elwir Billingsgate a thri mab a fu iddo, Llvdd,
Kysswallon ac Afallach. (whole section) D.
§ 14 (Caswallon) Ac yn y amser ef y gwnaethbwyd y wlad honn yn
dvrngedol i Ryvain. Jd.
§ 17 Lies) ...ffvdd gatholic, ac er yr amser hynny hyd heddiw ny ddoeth
y Bryttaniaid y2 maes2 or ffy dd. Ma, similarly HJadKaMbcdN.
§ 18 (Coel) Ac a wnnaeth gaer gar Haw Llundain ac a beris i hennwi Tref
Coel, heddyw Kowltsiester. G.
§ 19 (Macsen) Ag ai rroes i Gynan M[e]riadog yw dal dan goron Brydain.
H, similarly N.
Ac ef ddoyth yma wrth vreiddwyd. C.
§ 22 'Maelgwn Gwynedd) Ag ef gyntaf yn ol Arthvr a oresgynnodd y
chwech ynys dan ynys Brydain. H.
A dav vab a merch a vu iddo, nid amgen no Rvn vab Maylgwn ac
Einion vab Maylgwn, ar verch elw d Eurgain, G.

1. read uvyddiayth.
2. ymaith H.
184 PETER C. BARTRUM

§ 23 (Cadwallon) A hwnnw r marchoc 1 efvddawl a vu ar borth Lhndein

lawer o araser C, similarly DEa, val y dweid y proffodolyaeth vawr
amdano. C (ends), val y dowaid Merddin amdano, DEa, wrth
Wrtheyrn D. garbron Gwrthefryn ap Gwrthene Ea. Val y
dywaid Merddin yn y broffydoliaeth vawr garbron Gorthevyr2
vendigaid, na ddevai Sais byth ir dyrnas tra vai i gorff ef yno, II,
similarly JKaMN, a hynny ysowaith ni wnaethbwyd. H, similarh
JKa.
...lladdawdd. Ag ef a vv or Brytaniaid yn vrenhinoedd yn vnvs
Brydain wyth brenin a chant, a hwynt a vyont yn gwladychy Llwn-
dain vn flynedd a thrigain a naw kant a mil. O hwnw y byant kvn
geni Krist xxx flynyddoedd cc a mil, ag or pan anned Krist hyd yn
oes Kadwaladr vendigaid y by flynyddoedd xi a lxxx a vj/c. Paini
aeth Arthur i Gamlan oed Krist oedd xlij a ccccc. (ends) B1; similarly
Ba.
§ 24 (Gadwaladr) He buylded the Towne of Abergeveney where an ould
buyldinge was before made bye a giant called Gigas Orgo. N.
...diwaethaf or Brytaniaid hyd at Harri seithved. D.

Endings
A. ... ac Idwal iwrch. Ac Ivor ac Alan a lesteiriodd y goron yr Saeson
ddengmlynedd a devgain, ac wedi hynny y gorvv Idwal iwrch
gymrvd y dalaith, a bod yn dywvssawc yNghymrv,-ac vn a elwid
Wden or Saeson a wi[s]gawdd koron Loygyr.
B, ...ohonynt yn frenin gwedi ef, ag yno ir aeth ef ir Rufain. A llymina
y brenhinoedd pena a dewra ag a wnaethont y keyrydd ar trefi a
ddwedpwyd vchod. Similarly B2.
C. ...rann vwyaf or bopyl, rac dialedd o newvn a marwolaeth, achos na
allai y byw gladdu y meirw. Ar drudanyaeth hwnnw a barhaodd
xj vlwyddyn. Ac ynna y kafas y Saesson oressgyn yr vnus drosti
yn ddiwrafyn, ac y gyrassant gweddillion Brydtanyeid y greigeu
Kymry, ac [y] gorvu arnoddynt ...[illegible]... ac vfvddhau yr
Saesson er hynny hyd heddiw. Hynny vyno ( ?) Duw drwy y law
ir Brydanieid.
D. ...dowyssogion ar Gymrv.
Ea. ...Ifor ag Owain ag Idwal iwrch, a rhay hynny a fvant ar Gymrv viij
mlynedd a deigen.

1. marchod C. 2. Gwrtheyrn JcKa.

 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 185

Eb. ...Ivor ag Owain ag Idwall iwrch, a rhai hyny a vyant wythmlynedd

a devgain ar Gymry yn orychaf, medd rrai, ag velly i tervyna
[K]ronigkvl y Bryttanied.
G. ...vn onaddunt yn vrenin. Wel dyma i henwav i frif geyrrydd a
fïwy ai dechrevawdd. Vel hyn i tervynir y Kronnic Byrr.
H. ...brenin onaddvnt. A nef vddvnt os da gan Ddvw i mi erchi.
Amen. Ag velly y tervyna hyn o gronikl a ysgrivennis i allan o lyfr
Thomas ap Rys ap Howel ap Ienan vychan (ar ddigwyl Vair gynta
y 1δ o Awst yn y vlwyddyn o oedran Krist 1604) yr hwn a ysgrive-
nesid yn oedran Krist 1517.
JKaM. ...brenin onaddvnt. (Jd ends). A llyma enway y brenhinoedd a
wnaeth y prif geyrydd pennaf ynys Brydain, (KaMc end), a ffwy a y
gwnaeth, (Je ends), a nef yddynt os da gan Ddyw y ni y erchi poed
gwir. Amen. Ac velly y tervyna. (JabMabd end). (Text
of Ma).
N. gives a complete history of Cadwaladr freely translated into English
from some version of ByB.

TEXT OF Sj

Llyma y xxiiij or brenhinoydd kydarna or Brytaniaid

ac a varnwyd yn wrola i gwnkwerio ac i adeilad ac i roi
rroddion mawrion 1:

[1] Brvtvs ap Silivs ap Yskanvs ap Ineas ysgwyddwyn

a wnayth dinas ar lann avon Dain ac ai gelwis Troya
Newydd, ac elwid wedi hynny Kayr Lvdd, ac a elwir
heddiw Llvndan.

[2] Mymbyr ap Madoc [ap Locrinus ]2 ap Brvtvs a

wnayth dinas anrryddeddvs ar lan n Tain, lie kad kanol
yr ynys wedi hynny, ac ai gelwis oi hennw i hvn Kayr
Yymbyr, ac a elwyd wedi hynny Kayr Boso, ac a elwir
Rrydychen.

2.
1. —
So SS*.
S2, mowrion S3.
186 PETER C. BARTRUM

[3] Evrawc kadarn ap Mynbyr a wnayth dînas ar lann

avon Dvedd yn y gogledd, ac ai ge[/]wis oi henw i hvn
Kayr Evrawc, ac a elwir Iork.

[4] Brvtvs darianlas ap Evroc a wnaeth kayr a chasdell

ar lan avon Alklud ac ai gelwis Kayr Alklvd, a elwid wedi
hynny Kasdell y Morynion, ac a elwir Karlil.

[5] Lleon ap Brvtvs darianlas a wnayth dînas ar lan

Dyfrdwy ac ai gelwis Kayrlleon.
[6] Rvn baladr bras ap Lleon a wnayth Kayr Gaint a
Chayr Wynt a Chayr Yynydd y Paladr, yn Saysnec
Kantyrbri a Winsiestr ac Esedr.

[7] Bleiddvd ap Rvn baladr bras a wnayth Kayr

Vaddon ac a wnayth y badd.
[8] Llyr ap Bleiddvd ap Rrvn a wnayth dinas ar lann
avon Soram ac ai gelwis oi henw i hvn Kayr Lyr, ac a
elwir Laysedr.
[9] Dyfnwal moylmvd ap Klydno iarll Kernyw a
ydeilodd dînas ar lann avon Saprina ac ai gelwis [p. 86]
Kayr Odor, kans Odor Nant y Baydd i gelwir yr avon
vechan
hi Brvsto.
ysydd yn myned drwy r dref. A heddiw i gelwir

[10] Beli ap Dyfnwal moylmvd a wnayth dinas ar lann

avon Wysc ac ai gelwis Kayr Llion ar Wysc, a hono a vv
bena yn yr ynys gynt.
[11] Gwrgant varfdrwch ap Beli ap Dyfnwal a wnayth
dinas ar lann avon Vann ac ai gelwis Kayr Ewerydd, ac
a elwir Longkastl.
[12] Kyhelyn ap Gwrgant ab Beli a wnayth dînas ar
lann y mor ac ai gelwis Kayr Beris, ac a elwir Porsiestr.

[13] Llvdd ap Beli mawr ap Mynogan a adnywyddodd

gayr (Llvdd ac) a gelwis Kayr Lvdd, ac a elwir Llvndain.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 187

[14] Kyswallawn, brawd Llvdd, a ymladdodd ac Vlkasar

aymerodr
ddiarhebir.
Rrvvain ac a w[n]ayth y w[/]edd vawr yn Llvndain

[15] Kynvelyn ap Tynevan ap Llyr1, ac yn i amser i

ganed yn arglwydd ni Iesu Grist.
[16] Gweirydd ap Kynvelyn, ac yn i amser i bedyddiwy[/]
Krist ac i goddevodd. Ar Gweirydd] hwnnw a briodes
Gwenwisa merch Gloyw, amerodr Rrvvain, ar Gl[o]yw
hwnw a wnayth dînas ar lan Havren ac ai gelwis Kayr
Lovw, ac a elwir Glosedr.
[17] Lies ap Koyl ap Mevric ap Gweirydd, a hwnnw a
beris i vedyddiaw a chwbl or dyrnas, ac a gredodd gynta,
ac a beris iw dyrnas gredv i gyd.
[18] Koyl (godeboc), iarll Kayr Loyw, a hwnw a laddodd
Ysglibiatwtys, amerodr Rrvvain, ac a wnayth Kayr
Ffawydd [a Chayrvudde. Kayr Ffawydd] yw Hennfïordd,
a Chayrvudde yw Swsedr. Ac iddo i bv verch a elwid
Elen, yr honn a ynillodd y Groys.
[19] Maxen ap lAywelyn a vv vrenin yn yr ynys honn
ac ymerodr yn Rrvvain, ac a briodes Elen verch Evda ap
Kyriadoc ap Bran ap Llyr lleddiaith2. Ac ef a wnayth
Kayr Sallawc a Ghayr Alvn a Chayr Vyrddin. Kayr
Sallawc yw Kayrnarvon, Kayr Alvn yw Hwlfïordd.
[20] Kwysdenin [ven-] [p. 87] -d[i]gaid, brawd Aldwfr
brenin Llydaw, a wnayth Kayr Wimbr a Chayr Vrangon
a Chayr Wennt. Kay[r] Wimbyr yw Warwic, Kayr
Vrangon yw Wsedr, Kayr Went yw Siebsdo.
[21] Arthur ap Vthr bendragon ap Kwysdenin a vv
gwnkwerwr ar lawer o wledydd ac nid adelodd.

2.
1. Read
Lludd llediaith.
S2S,.
188 PETER C. BARTRUM

[22] Maylgwn Gwynedd ap Kyswallawn1 llawir a wnayth

Kayr Ddigoll a Chayr Gollwyn a Chayr Ddyganwy.
Kayr Ddigoll yw Ymwythic, Kayr Gollwyn yw Harddlech.
[23] Kyswallan1 ap Kadvan a ymladdodd ar Sayson ac
a orvv arnvnt ac nid adelodd.

[24] Kydwaladr vendigaid a vv ddiwaytha or Brytaniaid

yn vrenin ac yn i amser ef i doyth y vail ar yr ynys, a
pyrhadd vn vlynedd ar ddec, ac yna i darvvom ni. A2
hwn/rw vv sant ac iddo i bv drimaib, Ivor ac Alan ac
Idwal iwrch, a rrai hynny a vvuant dywy[s]ogion ar
Gymrv3.

Notes

§ 1 (Brutus). As HRB and ByB (1.17).

§ 2 (Membyr). The details are not found in HRB or ByB. The found¬
ing of the city of Oxford by Mempricius is mentioned by John Rous (1411-91).
HRB says that Mempricius was devoured by wolves and a sixteenth century
manuscript of HRB (Corpus Christi College Cambridge MS. 110), says that
this occurred at Wolvercote near Oxford. (T. D. Kendrick, British Anti¬
quity, p. 25 and note 3, John Rous, Hist. Reg. Angliae, edited by Thomas
Hearne, Oxford, 1716, p. 21).
§ 3 (Efrog). Duedd. The name is used in Enwau a Rhyfeddodau ynys
Prydain for the river Tweed. (Jesus College 141 fo. 129v, Pen. 168 fo. 5V).
But York is on the Ouse. The name does not appear in ByB Dingestow or
Cleopatra. Note the addition in P which suggests that York was in a
region called Rhos Bleiddud.
According to HRB and ByB (II. 7) Caer Alclud and Castell Mynydd Agned
(which was called Castell y Morynnion and Mynydd Dolurus) were also
founded by Efrog. But here these are transferred to Brutus Darianlas, and
at the same time we get the unfounded equation, Caer Alclud = Castell y
Morynnion = Carlisle. The name 'Mynydd Dolurus’ is omitted in all the
texts, but Jd gives a'r Fynydd y Tristyd. The same text made an attempt
to reconcile the discrepancy with ByB. See Additions under §§ 3, 4.

1. Read Kadwallawn.
2-3. Presumably a later addition.
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 189

§ 4 (Brutus Darianlas). See note to §3. Caer Alclud (= Dumbarton)

and Castell y Morynnion, which were different places, were founded by
Efrog according to HBB and ByB, while Carlisle was founded by Leil son of
Brutus Viride Scutum (Darianlas) according to HBB (II. 9). See § δ.
§ 5 (Lleon). In ByB Lleon is substituted for Leil of HBB, and Caerlleon
for Kaerleil. Similarly here. The founding of Carlisle is here transferred to
Brutus Darianlas. In Hanes Gruffudd ap Cynan the name Leil is transcribed
as Lliwelyt because Carlisle was called in Welsh Kaer Liwelyt. (See EWGT,
pp. 36, 96). On the founding of Caerlleon (Chester) see also note to § 10.
§ 6 (Rhun Baladr Bras). Similarly HBB and ByB (II. 9). But Caer
Fynydd y Paladr is certainly Shaftesbury, as stated by HBB and ByB
(Cleopatra), not Exeter as given here.
§ 7 (Bleiddud). Similarly HBB and ByB (11.10) but the name Afon
Faddon given to the Avon is new. So also is the idea, explicit in JMN, but
implied by the others, that St. Paul’s Cathedral was built on the site of a
former temple to Apollo, and that Bleiddud fell to his death 'for lack of a
tail’.
§ 8 (Llyr). As HRB and ByB (II. 11).
§ 9 (Dyfnwal Moelmud). The survey of Britain here attributed to
Dyfnwal Moelmud does not occur in HRB or ByB, but there is a reference
in some versions of the Welsh Laws (Edited by Aneurin Owen, Octavo
edition i. 182-5, Folio edition, pp. 89-90). The founding of Bristol men¬
tioned here is new. The fourteenth century Eulogium Historiae says that
Dyfnwal Moelmud founded the cities and castles of Malmesbury, Tetbury
and Lacock (Bk. V Ch. 13, Edited Rolls ii. 236).
§ 10 (Beli ap Dyfnwal). Caerllion ar Wysg as HRB and ByB (III. 10).
But the reference to Llion Gawr is new. It may be noted that Chester was
sometimes called Caerlleon Gawr and its founder Lleon Gawr. ( Gwaith Tudur
Aled, edited by T. Gwynn Jones, nos. 141, 153, Brut Tysilio in Jesus College
MS. 61. See also Lewis Morris, Celtic Remains , s. nn. Caerlleon, Lleon,
Y Cymmrodor 49, p. 297). The English authors who followed HRB rather
than ByB ascribed the founding of Chester to Lleon Gawr, a giant, before
the time of Brutus. (John Lewis, The History of Great Britain, p. 33,
quoting Henry Bradshaw (d. 1513); William Slatyer, Palae-Albion, London,
1621, Ode III, Canto III, p. 65 and marginal note p. 67). The attributes
of Caerllion ar Wysg are paitly new, in particular the mention of the Tri
Thlws ar ddeg which appears in almost every manuscript. The building of
Watling Street, mentioned in MN, is not found in HRB or ByB, but Belinus
is there said to have constructed four highways throughout the island (III. 5).
Ranulph Higden in his Polychronicon identified them as "Fossa... Watling-
strete... Ermingestrete... Rikenildstrete.” (Bk. I. Ch. 45, Ed. Rolls 11.44·
46).
190 PETER C. BARTRUM

§ 11 (Gwrgan Farfdrweh). The founding of Caer Werydd or Ewerydd

on the river Vann and its identification with Lancaster (on the Lune) are new.
On the name see a note by Sir John Morris-Jones in Y Cymmrodor 28, p. 48,
n. 1. John Rous placed the foundation of Cambridge in this reign. {Hisi.
Reg. Angliae, pp. 25-6).

§ 12 (Cuhelvn). Kuhelyrt of ByB corresponds to Guilhelinus of HRB

(1 11.13). The alteration of 'Cyfraith Marsia’ into 'Martial Law’ in A and
D is interesting, especially as the manuscripts are not closely related. Cf.
also Ka. The founding of Caer Beris is new. But it is mentioned by
John Rous who also claimed that the town of Warwick was founded by this
king and that it was one of the three places called Gaerleon. ( Loc . cil.,
pp. 26-27). Cf note to § 20.

§ 13 (Beli Mawr). In HRB (III .20) this king is called Heli son of
Cligueillus son of Capoir in ByB (Dingestow) Beli Mawr ap Manogan ap
Capoyi in Hanes Gruffudd ap Cynan, Beli mawr m. Manogan m. Eneitm.
Kerwyt (EWGT, p. 36). This explains the variations in BJacMac. The
addition found in D concerning Billingsgate is referred to Belinus in HRB
and so to Beli ap Dvfnwal Moelmud in ByB. It would not have been appro¬
priate for Heli in HRB.
According to Hardyng in his Chronicle (mid. 15th century), ''Hely... the
isle of Hely made.” (Ed. Henry Ellis, 1812, p. 73). Richard White said
that Heli built a palace in the island which from him was called Helis, i.e. the
Isle of Ely. ( Historiarum Britanniae Insulae libri noiiem, Books 1-5,
1602 edition, p. 237). This is referred to by John Lewis, The History of
Great Britain, p. 72, and we find in Cardiff MS. 59, p. 34:
Beli mawr vchod, amherodr y deyrnas hon. Ef a wnaeth adail mawr
yn Hwarthen Beli, yr hon a eilw y Sayson 'the Ylle of Elye’.

§ 14 (Caswallon). So HRB and ByB (IV. 1-8). On the triad 'Tair

gwledd anfeidrol’ see TYP no. 94. quoted from Moses Williams, who refers to
G. Owain as authority for the first element of the triad. He may, in fact,
have been referring to this tract (text A). Moses Williams gave the second
element as Gwledd Arthur yNghaerllyon ar Wvsg, but he did not know the
third. This again suggests that his reference to Gutun Owain meant the
present tract and that he did not know the cywydd by Gutun Owain which
clearly gives the third feast as that of Merwydd vMon. (See TYP, p. 223).
Edward Jones gave all three as follows:
Tair Gwledd anrhydeddus Ynys Prvdain: Gwledd Caswallon yn òl
gyrru Iwl Cassar o’r ynys hon; Gwledd Emrvs Wledig ar ôl gorchvygu y
Saeson; a Gwledd Arthur Vrenin vNghaer Lleon ar Wvsg.
( Musical & Poetical Relicks of the Bards, augmented edition, 1794, p. 80).

§ 15 (Cynfelyn). As HRB and ByB (IV.ll).

 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 191

§ 16 (Gweirydd). As HRB and ByB (IV. 15), but the Crucifixion is not
mentioned in HRB. In ByB (Cleopatra) it is correctly placed in the reign of
Cynfelyn. ByB (Dingestow) places it wrongly, as here, in the time of
Gweirydd.
§ 17 (Lies). As HRB and ByB (IV. 19-20).
§ 18 (Coel). The surname godebng occurs in all the texts. It is incor¬
rect because it implies the identification of Coel Godebog of North Britain
(late 4th to early 5th cent.) with Geoffrey’s fictitious Coel of Colchester
(late 3rd to early 4th century). This misidentification first appears in
this tract and in the genealogical works of Gutun Owain. The resulting
anachronism of a century led George Owen Harry to modify certain Welsh
pedigrees to accommodate the discrepancy. Lewis Morris seems to have been
the first to realise that they were distinct, see his Celtic Remains, p. 96 s.n.
Coel and Y Cymmrodor 49, p. 299. The association of Coel with Caerloyw
(Gloucester) is found in ByB but not in HRB.
The founding of Caer Ffawydd and Caer Fuddai is not mentioned in HRB
or ByB. yNghaer Ffawyd occurs in RB Poetry col. 1358, 1. 36, but there
is nothing to suggest that it is equivalent to Hereford. The context
suggests that it is in Powys. However Caer Ffawydd was identified with
« East Hereford » at least as early as the late fourteenth century. See
BBCS 22, p. 226. Henffordd is the modern Welsh for Hereford. Caer
Fuddai appears in ByB (Dingestow and Cleopatra) where HRB has Silcestria
(Silchester) (IX. 1, 15) and also in ByB (Cleopatra) where HRB has Silcestria
(VI. 5) and Cireceslria (XI. 8). Professor Henry Lewis suggested that
Caer Fuddai was an attempted translation of Cirencester. See BBCS 10,
pp. 127-8. G adds that Coel founded Colchester. There is nothing in
HRB or ByB to support this, but it is stated in the list of cities in Pen. 215,
p. 189.
Elen Luyddog. The epithet Lluyddog seems properly to have belonged
to Elen the wife of Macsen Wledig, as in Breuddwyd Macsen. See TYP,
p. 341.
§ 19 (Macsen). The only parts drawn from HRB and ByB are Macsen’s
genealogy (V. 8, 9) and the stories of the conquest of Llydaw, and the
11,000 virgins (V. 12, 16). The material here is partly based on Breuddwyd
Macsen Wledig. In this story three strongholds were built for Elen, one,
unnamed, in Arfon, Caerllion and Caerfyrddin. Caer Sallog is the later
Roman fort by the waterside in Caernarvon. See Arch. Camb. 1945, p. 258.
It is mentioned in the Hoianau in the Black Book of Carmarthen, p. 55, I. 5.
Later it came to be identified with Salisbury, and I suggested an explanation
for this in Trans. Cym. 1949, pp. 300-2. An assumption made in that
article is borne out by the tract Enwau a Rhyfeddodau ynys Prydain. In
the earliest version, Jesus College 141, fo. 137v, we find Caer Garadawc
nev Vallarne a elwir Salysburi. This is clearly based on the corrupt passage
in Brut (Cleopatra) fo. 83v where Vallawc is from the personal name
 192 PETER C. BARTRUM

Gwallawc. In Pen. 168 fo. 14r this has become Caer Garadawc neu Gaer
Sallawc. There may have been an intermediate text in which the reading
was fallawc and was misread as jallawc. In N ' Caer Salawc ’ is identified
with Serousburie, presumably Shrewsbury.
In the present tract Caer Alun is substituted for Caerllion (which has
already been founded § 10). I do not know the basis for the identification
with Hwlffordd (Haverford). There may be some traditional association
with Alun Dyfed, a traditional hero, on whom see The National Library of
Wales Journal, 13, p. 134.
Peblig ap Macsen comes from Bonedd y Saint § 63 (See EWGT).
Custennin ap Macsen appears in the early genealogies. See JC 4, ABT 18 a
in EWGT. In the latter he is ancestor of kings of Dyfed, but hardly
Cyff cenedl of all the princes of Britain. There may be some forgotten
tradition here. This is suggested by some additions to the Historia
Brittonum found in the Book of Ballymote (c. 1400). Here we are told
that Muirchertach mac Erca, an Irish King (d. c. 534) was the father of
Constantin and Gaedhal Ficht. These two are there said to have been
ancestors of the provincial kings of Britain and the kings of Cornwall (See
Lebor Bretnach, edited by A. G. van Hamel, Dublin, 1932, § 24). Gaedhal
Ficht is clearly a fictitious eponvmus and the parentage of this Constantin
is equally open to suspicion. But what is said of Constantin may reflect
some British tradition.
Owain ap Macsen appears in a Triad (TYP no. 13). Also in the earl\
genealogies (See Vila S. Cadaci, § 45 and JC 4 in EWGT), and, with the
surname Finddu, in a late version of Bonedd y Saint (See BvS 63 in EWGT).
It is not certain from the texts of the present tract whether Finddu or Ddu
is the correct epithet, but Finddu became generally accepted. Owain ap
Macsen is the subject of legends, for which see TYP, pp. 478-9, T. Gwvnn
Jones, Welsh Folklore and Folk Custom, 1930, p. 80. The following account
appears in BM. Add. MS 15017 fo. 3V, copied by Owen Jones (Myfyr) from
a Hafod Uchdrud MS. :
Plant Maxen Wledic : Cwstenin, Peblic, ac Ywain vinddu, yr hwn y
claddwyd i bennaigorff o vewn Nanhwynynymhlwvf Bedd Celert yNghoed
Ffaraon, yr hwn Ywain a laddodd Eurnach gawr. Yn yr unrhvw goed
Eurnach ai lladdodd vntau.
This is copied in Y Great, 1805, p. 18. The Buchedd Wrsula or Hysloria
Gmeryddon yr Almaen found in Peniarth MS. 182, p. 261 (1514) begins with
an account of the sons of Macsen which agrees with the present tract but
writes Eudaf o Gaer Sallawc and describes Custennin as yn vrenin ym
Prydyn. Owain is given the surname vinddu. See BWM i. 1007.
Caradog, the father of Eudaf, is identified, as here, with Caradog ap
Bran ap Llvr Llediaith in two early pedigrees (MG 5, ByA 33 in EWGTt
which indicates a firm basis in tradition.

§ 20 (Custennin). The founding of Caer Wimbyr, Caer Went and Caer

Wrangon does not appear in HRB or ByB. I know of no basis for the
 Y PEDWAR BRENIN AR HUGAIN A FARNWYD YN GADARNAF 193

identification of Caer Wimbyr with Warwick. Cf. note to § 12. Chepstow

is called Cas-gwent in Welsh. Caer-went is four miles south-west of
Chepstow.
§ 21 (Arthur). All this is based on HRB. It is a pity that the tract
does not mention any genuine Welsh traditions about Arthur.
§ 22 (Maelgwn). The founding of the four Caerydd is new. So too,
apparently, is the identification of Caer Ddigoll with Amwvthig (Shrewsbury).
It is probably on the authority of this tract that Gutun Owain added the
founding of these places in his version of ByB in the Book of Basingwerk,
fo. 184r. We learn from Leland that Caer Dicol was the name of a pre¬
historic camp, now called the Beacon Ring, at the southern end of Cefn
Digoll (Long Mountain), four miles NNE of Montgomery. See the note
by E. Phillimore in Owen's Pembrokeshire, ii. 666.
The son and daughter of Maelgwn come from the early genealogies.
See EWGT. The addition of Einion ap Maelgwn in G comes from HRB
XII. 6.

§ 23 (Cadwallon). This is wholly based on HRB (XII. 13) through

ByB. Note that the prophecy was made by Merlin to Vortigern (Gwr-
thern, not See
HJKaMN. to his
HRB sonVII.
Vortimer
3. (Gwerthefvr Fendigaid) as stated by

§24 (Cadwaladr). Sexbursius. I am indebted to Mr. Bryn F. Roberts

for the information in this paragraph. In place of the usual ' nefandus
populus ille... applicuit’ some texts of HRB (XII. 16) read 'quadam
nobilissima regina, Sexburgis nomine, que vidua fuerat, ... applicuit’.
E. Farai (La legende Arthur ienne, tome 3, p. 301) gives this as a variant
reading from MS. Bibl. Nat. Fonds latin 6233 (13th century), and apparently
this is but one of a group of manuscripts. This reading is found in some
translations, e. g. the Old-Norse version, Études Celtiques I. 223. and in
Welsh in the Llanstephan MS. 1 version of ByB. This version is the
source of the latter part of the Red Book text of ByB. See Red Book Bruts,
p. 253, where we find Brenhines vonhedic a elwit Sexburgis.
Sexburgis evidently corresponds to filiam Germanie mentioned in the
Prophecy of Merlin (HRB VII. 3). The name may be derived from that
of Sexburga, the queen of Cenwalh, king of Wessex. She reigned for one
year (672-3) after his death ( Anglo-Saxon Chronicle s. aa. 495, 672). But
Cadwaladr died in 664/5.
In HRB XII. 18 Alan of Armorica speaks to Cadwaladr of filium autem
suum Vuoi, ac Yni nepotem suum. The use of suum, not eius, implies
that « his » refers to Alan not to Cadwaladr. ByB in the Bed Book of
Bergest is ambiguous, but ByB (Dingestowl definitely relates them to
Cadwaladr. So too « Brut Tysilio » in Jesus Colege MS. 61. MS. C of
Annates Cambriae speaks of Ivor filius Cadwalader. On the other hand
ByB (Cleopatra) relates Ifor and Ynyr to Alan ; so also Brut y Tywysogion,
194 PETER C. BARTRUM

and Brenhinedd y Saeson. No version mentions Alan son of Cadwaladr.

Idwal Iwrch comes from the genealogies. See EWGT. For the fictitious
Ynyr ap Cadwaladr see also The National Library of Wales Journal XIII,
p. 115.

Abbreviations
Arch. Camb. Archaeologia Cambrensis.
BBCS Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies, University of
Wales.
BvB Brut y Brenhinedd. The following edited texts
are referred to: fDingestow) Brut Dinge slow,
golygwyd gan Henry Lewis, Cardiff, 1942. (Cleopatra
and Basingwerk) Brut y Brenhinedd, Cotton Cleopa¬
tra Version, edited and translated by John Jay
Parry, Cambridge, Mass., 1937. (Bed Book The
Text of the Bruts from the Bed Book of Hergesl,
ed. John Rhys and John Gwenogvryn Evans,
Oxford, 1890.
EWGT Early Welsh Genealogical Tracis, edited by P. C. Bar-
trum, Cardiff, 1966.
HRB The « Historia Regum Britanniae » of Geoffrey of
Monmouth, edited by Acton Griscom, New York
and London, 1929.
Owen’s Pembrokeshire The Description of Penbrokshire (1603) In George
Owen, ed. Henry Owen, 2 vols, 1892-1906. Refe¬
rences are to notes b> E. Phillimore.
RB Poetry The Poetry of the Red Book of Hergesl, ed. John Gwe¬
nogvryn Evans, Llanbedrog, 1911.
RWM Report on manuscripts in the Welsh Language by
John Gwenogvryn Evans, Historical MSS. Com¬
mission, London, 1898-1910. Pagination as for
two volumes.
Trans. Cym. Transactions of the Honourable Society of Cymmro-
dorion, London.
TYP Trioedd Ynys Prydein by Rachel Bromwich,
Cardiff, 1961.