The Legend of Caer Caradoc

Caer Caradoc

Caer Caradoc is often linked to Caradoc (or Caradog), a prominent figure in Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend. Caradoc is considered one of the knights of the Round Table in Arthurian lore, and he is sometimes referred to as Caradoc of the Battle or Caradoc the Brave. He was known for his bravery and his loyalty to King Arthur.

In addition, it is also linked the location of the Battle of Caer Caradoc in AD 50 when the Romans crushed the last Western British resistance following their Conquest. The Britons were led by Caratacus and the Romans were commanded by Publius Ostorius Scapula

In mythological and historical sources, Caer Caradoc is sometimes presented as the fortress or stronghold of Caradoc. The name “Caer” in Celtic tradition is often associated with a fort or town, indicating a significant, possibly fortified site connected to the hero.

Caer Caradoc in Place Names

There is also a real hill named Caer Caradoc in Shropshire, England, part of the Caradoc Hills. This hill has long been linked with the legendary figure of Caradoc, especially in connection with his resistance against the Romans during the 1st century AD. According to legend, Caradoc led a revolt against the Roman invaders and used Caer Caradoc (the hillfort) as a base of operations.

Hillforts with the name Caer Caradoc

There are several hillforts associated with the name Caer Caradoc, each linked to the legendary figure Caradoc (or Caradog), known from Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend. These hillforts are often considered sacred or strategic sites, and their names suggest a deep connection to both the legend and the spiritual landscape.

Caer Caradoc Hillfort (Shropshire, England)

Caer Caradoc is located in the Caradoc Hills in Shropshire, England, close to the town of Church Stretton. The hillfort is situated on a prominent hilltop with expansive views over the surrounding valley and landscape, offering both defensive and strategic advantages.

Caer Caradoc Hillfort is a fortified hilltop site, with evidence of earthworks and ramparts. It features a single rampart and a ditch, which would have protected the inhabitants of the hillfort.
The fortification is thought to have been built during the Iron Age, as part of a network of hillforts used for defence and settlement by Celtic tribes.

The site is likely to have had a ritualistic function in addition to its defensive role, serving as a sacred or ceremonial centre due to its prominent position on the hill.

Connection to the Legend

The legend of Caer Caradoc is connected to Caradoc, an important figure in Arthurian legend and Welsh mythology. According to legend, Caradoc, also known as Caradoc the Brave, led a rebellion against the Romans in the 1st century AD, and it is believed that Caer Caradoc was the location where he made his stand against the Roman forces. The hillfort, in this sense, symbolizes the resistance and bravery of Caradoc, a hero who fought to defend his land and people.

Caer Caradoc (Wales)

Another Caer Caradoc hillfort is located in Powys, Wales, near the town of Llandrindod Wells. This site is part of the Cambrian Mountains, offering an elevated position in the landscape.

The fortification here is much less visible than the one in Shropshire, but it is believed that there was once a hillfort at this location with earthworks and defensive structures.

The site was strategically positioned, likely used as a fortified settlement during the Iron Age, and may have served as a place for both defence and ritualistic activity.

Due to the relatively eroded nature of the site, there is less material evidence compared to other hillforts, but the legendary connection is strong.

Connection to the Legend

In Welsh tradition, Caer Caradoc is said to be one of the legendary Caers—fortresses or places of power associated with Caradoc. This Caer is thought to have been linked with Caradoc’s resistance against the Roman occupation, and its legendary status implies it was a place where heroic figures were believed to dwell or gather for protection against invaders.

Caer Caradoc Hillfort (Brecon Beacons)

Another Caer Caradoc is located in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, an area renowned for its fortified hillforts and spiritual significance. This hillfort is positioned within an elevated area that provides a commanding view over the surrounding hills.

This Caer Caradoc likely had a ritual and military purpose, though much of the site is not as well-documented as others. The hillfort would have been a defensive structure, but it also might have been used for ritualistic purposes—particularly due to its location in a spiritual landscape that was historically significant for Celtic tribes.

There are earthworks and remains from the Iron Age, showing how this site was a place of occupation and defence.

Connection to the Legend

This site is thought to be another fortress or Caer connected to Caradoc. It serves as a mythological site within the Brecon Beacons, an area imbued with Celtic spirituality and legendary figures. Caradoc is said to have led forces against the Roman invaders, and his association with this hillfort adds to its legendary significance as a place of spiritual and strategic power.

Caradoc (Caratacus)

Caratacus was the chief of the Catuvellauni and a prominent leader of the resistance against the Romans during the Roman invasion of Britain. Following his defeat at the Battle of Caer Caradoc in AD 50, Caratacus fled north, seeking refuge with the Brigantes, a powerful tribe in the north of Britain.

Cartimandua, the queen of the Brigantes, initially protected Caratacus, but she later released him to the Romans. In AD 51, Cartimandua handed Caratacus over to the Romans.

After his capture, Caratacus was brought to Rome, where he was held in prison before being put on display as part of a Roman victory parade. However, Caratacus was granted a hearing before the Roman Emperor Claudius.

Caratacus’ speech before Emperor Claudius is one of the most famous moments in Roman-British history. According to historical sources, when Caratacus was brought before the Emperor, he famously said:
“It is not the custom of the Romans to take prisoners who fight for their freedom.”

This speech impressed the Romans so much that Caratacus was pardoned by Emperor Claudius, and he was allowed to live out the remainder of his life in Rome in exile. This act of clemency was quite rare in Roman history and added to the legend of Caratacus as a noble and respected leader.

Caratacus’ Daughter and the First Church

There’s an intriguing legend regarding Caratacus’ daughter and the establishment of early Christianity in Britain, but it’s important to note that historical records on this are somewhat speculative and mythologized. Some sources suggest that Caratacus’ daughter—either Julia or another figure (the details vary)—eventually converted to Christianity and played a role in the establishment of the first Christian church in Britain.

This is often connected with the early Christian missions in Roman Britain, which eventually led to the foundation of what would become the Church of England.

Some sources in the 6th century, like the Historia Brittonum, suggest that figures like Caratacus and his descendants were involved in the early Christianization of Britain, although these sources do not specifically name his daughter. The Histories of the Britons are often mixed with legend and history, and could reflect the process of Christian mythmaking.

One man, many myths. Straddling the Celtic, Roman, Arthurian and Christian traditions.