Ffernfael ab Idwal

Not to be confused with the 9th-century king of Gwent, Ffernfael ap Meurig. For other Welsh rulers of the same name, see Ffernfael..

Ffernfael ab Idwal or Ithel (died c. 775) was a late 8th-century king of Gwent in southeast Wales.

His name seems to mean "strong ankles".[1] His father was Idwal or Ithel ap Morgan, king of Glywyssing, Gwent, and Ergyng. His father may have divided the kingdom among his sons, with Rhys receiving Glywyssing[2] and Ffernfael, much of Gwent. (Ergyng was apparently lost to Saxon Hwicce around this time.) Alternatively, Ffernfael's brothers Rhodri and Rhys and his nephew Brochfael may have inherited in turn, but lost Gwent to Ffernfael for a time.[3] His queen was Ceingaer.[4]

Ffernfael's death is recorded by the undated Annals of Wales. Phillimore's reconstruction places the entry in the year 775.[5]

Children

See also

References

  1. ↑ Todd, James H. & al. (trans.) Leabhar breathnach annso sis: the Irish version of the Historia Britonum of Nennius. Irish Archaeological Society (Dublin), 1848. Accessed 12 Feb 2013.
  2. ↑ The History Files: Celtic Kingdoms of the British Isles. "Gwent". Accessed 12 Feb 2013.
  3. ↑ Ford, David N. Early British Kingdoms. "South Welsh Royal Pedigree". Accessed 12 Feb 2013.
  4. ↑ Charles-Edwards, T. Wales and the Britons, 350-1064, Vol. 1. Oxford Univ. Press, 2012. Accessed 12 Feb 2013.
  5. ↑ Harleian MS. 3859. Op. cit. Phillimore, Egerton. Y Cymmrodor 9 (1888), pp. 141–83. (Latin)