Early Beginnings: The Celtic and Roman Periods
Before the establishment of Anglo-Saxon rule, Cumbria was part of the ancient kingdom of Rheged, a Celtic kingdom that spanned much of what is now northern England and southern Scotland. The area was known for its rugged terrain and strategic location, nestled between the more prominent kingdoms of Northumbria and Strathclyde. However, by the 5th and 6th centuries, following the decline of Roman Britain and the withdrawal of Roman legions, the region began to experience new waves of settlers, including the Anglo-Saxons.
The Rise of the Kingdom of Cumbria
The Anglo-Saxon period in Cumbria is somewhat murky, with limited written records detailing the early history of the region. However, it is believed that the area became a kingdom in the 6th or 7th centuries, largely influenced by the expanding power of Northumbria. While the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria dominated much of northern England, Cumbria, situated to its west, developed its own unique identity.
The establishment of the Kingdom of Cumbria is attributed to the Anglo-Saxon settlers who pushed westward from the Northumbrian heartlands, eventually taking control of the region. By the early 7th century, Cumbria had become a distinct political entity, with its own kings. The most notable early ruler of the kingdom was King Rheged, who reigned in the 6th century and was a contemporary of the legendary King Arthur, although there is little evidence to link them directly.
Cumbria's early rulers were influenced by the wider Anglo-Saxon world but also maintained strong Celtic traditions, blending both cultures. This hybrid identity made the kingdom a unique entity in early medieval Britain. During this period, Cumbria acted as a buffer zone between the more powerful kingdoms of Northumbria to the east and Strathclyde to the north. shutdown123