In this article we will delve into the fascinating world of Harleian genealogies, exploring its multiple dimensions and its impact on everyday life. From its origin to its evolution over time, Harleian genealogies has been the object of interest and study in various disciplines. We will analyze its relevance in the current context, as well as the different perspectives that exist around this topic. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we will seek to shed light on little-known aspects of Harleian genealogies, with the aim of offering a broad and enriching vision on this topic of general interest.
The Harleian genealogies are a collection of Old Welsh genealogies preserved in British Library, Harley MS 3859. Part of the Harleian Library, the manuscript, which also contains the Annales Cambriae (Recension A) and a version of the Historia Brittonum, has been dated to c. 1100, although a date of c.1200 is also possible.[1]
Since the genealogies begin with the paternal and maternal pedigrees of Owain ap Hywel Dda (d. 988), the material was probably compiled during his reign.[1] The collection also traces the lineages of less prominent rulers of Wales and the Hen Ogledd. Some of the genealogies reappear in the genealogies from Jesus College MS 20. The collection features the oldest genealogies of Welsh royal families, and include the dynasty of Cunedda (Cunedag), all the way to Beli Mawr, as head of the house of Gwynedd.[2]
Siddons, Michael. "Genealogies, Welsh." In Celtic Culture. A Historical Encyclopedia, ed. John T. Koch. 5 vols. Santa Barbara et al., 2006. pp. 800–2.
Watkin, M., "The Chronology of the Annales Cambriae and the Liber Landavensis on the basis of their Old French Graphical Phenomena", National Library of Wales Journal11, no.3 (1960), 181–226.
Remfry, P. M., Annales Cambriae. A Translation of Harleian 3859; PRO E.164/1; Cottonian Domitian, A 1; Exeter Cathedral Library MS. 3514 and MS Exchequer DB Neath, PRO E.164/1 (ISBN1-899376-81-X).
James, J.W. “The Harleian Ms. 3859 Genealogy II: The Kings of Dyfed down to Arthur Map Petr. died c. 586.” Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies 23:2 (1969), 143-52.
Phillimore, Egerton, ed. (1887), "Pedigrees from Jesus College MS. 20", Y Cymmrodor, vol. VIII, Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion, pp. 77–92