Meurig ap Tewdrig
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Meurig ap Tewdrig (Latin: Mauricius) was the son of Tewdrig (St. Tewdrig), and a King of the early Welsh Kingdoms of Gwent and Glywysing. He is thought to have lived between 400 and 600 AD, but one researcher suggests the more specific dates of c.596 - c.665[1].
Meurig took over the Gwent throne upon his father's abdication in the early 7th century. According to tradition, Tewdrig became a hermit at Tintern, but later came to the assistance of Meurig, and they repelled the invading Saxons in a battle at Pont y Saeson (Bridge of the Saxons). Tewdrig died after the battle, and Meurig buried him at Mathern, giving the surrounding land (including the area of the later village of Pwllmeurig, named after Meurig), in his memory to the Bishops of Llandaff.
Meurig reunited his kingdom with Ergyng (Archenfield) by marrying Onbrawst, the daughter of King Gwrgan Fawr (the Great) of that kingdom. He was later claimed to have been a great patron of the ecclesiastical centre at Llandaff, where he was eventually buried.
He was the father of Athrwys ap Meurig who, it has been postulated by some, was the real King Arthur who drove out the invading Saxons. Some researchers claim[citation needed] that Meurig used the title "Uthr Pendragon". Athrwys is believed to have pre-deceased Meurig, who was succeeded by his grandsons, Ithel and Morgan Mwynfawr.
