Was Cerdic of Wessexs father really Elesa?
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle traces Cedric’s pedigree back to Woden and the antediluvian patriarchs; however, any ancestor living before Cedric has no historical basis. Cedric, who ruled Wessex between 529 and 534 CE, most probably was a native British regional ruler who employed Saxons as mercenary auxiliaries to his shire’s militia. Historians cite Cedric’s title as “dux gewissorum” (or Duke of Gewissae”) as proof of his identity. Some authorities identify Cerdic with the contemporary prince of Gwent whose name was “Cerdic, son of Eliseg”, but this obviously forms an alternative genealogy. Thus, about 1500 years after the fact, we will probably never know for sure the name of his father unless archaeologists literally dig up some additional proof. —– P. S. — In defense of my my “shallow” llisting of Wikipedia in response to the poster’s question, as of March 2010, the Internet only provides two secondary sources of information on Cerdic, which I have listed. Wikipedia. as I’m sure y
First, you are correct that he is an ancestor to the British Royal Family. Anti-royalists like to believe the royal family is a new phenomenon that popped out of Germany less then 400 years ago beginning with George I (who for some odd reason they don’t think was related to any prior Kings of Britain) this is because they have never taken the time to consult a genealogical chart and because they want to remain in their delusional world where they can pretend the royal family isn’t British enough. I can trace Elizabeth II to Cerdic several ways: through Matilda of Flanders (Queen of William I), or through Matilda of Scotland (Queen of Henry I), or through Empress Matilda (mother of Henry II) etc. There are over 50 generations between Elizabeth II and Cerdic, it is considered one of the oldest genealogical lines in Europe, however I believe it is accurate up until Cerdic. Prior to Cerdic one has to consider the Anglo-Saxon chronicle. The chronicle is the most informative guide we have ab
