Cantref definitions
| Word backwards | fertnac |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | The syllable separation for "cantref" is: cant-ref |
| Plural | The plural of the word "cantref" is "cantrefi." |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (2) | a,e |
| Consonants (5) | c,n,t,r,f |
A cantref was a medieval Welsh land division, similar to a hundred in English or a cymwd in Welsh. It was a territorial unit ruled by a lord and was an integral part of the Welsh feudal system.
Cantref can be translated as "a hundred shares" or "a hundred farms" which reflects its administrative and territorial significance in medieval Wales.
Origin and History
Cantrefs were established in Wales during the early Middle Ages, and their origins can be traced back to the pre-Norman era when Welsh kingdoms were divided into smaller administrative units for governance purposes.
Each cantref was further divided into smaller units called commotes, which were governed by officials known as maerdref. These officials were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining law and order, and administering justice within their respective territories.
Importance and Function
The cantref was a crucial component of the Welsh feudal system, serving as a means of organizing and managing land ownership, taxation, and military service. It also played a significant role in the political structure of medieval Wales, as these divisions were often used as the basis for local governance and administration.
Each cantref had its own court, known as a cwrdd, where legal matters were addressed, and disputes were settled according to Welsh customary law. The lord of the cantref presided over this court and was responsible for maintaining order and justice within the territory.
Decline and Legacy
With the gradual integration of Wales into the English legal and administrative systems following the Norman Conquest, the cantref lost much of its political and administrative significance. By the late Middle Ages, the division had largely been replaced by English-style counties and shires.
Despite its decline, the legacy of the cantref system can still be seen in the landscape and place names of Wales today. Many modern Welsh communities and regions still bear the names of ancient cantrefs, serving as a reminder of their historical importance.
Cantref Examples
- The ancient Welsh kingdom was divided into multiple cantrefs.
- The cantref was ruled by a local lord known as a tywysog.
- Each cantref was further divided into smaller units called trefi.
- The borders of the cantref were often marked by natural landmarks.
- In medieval Wales, the cantref was an important administrative division.
- The cantref system was established centuries ago in Welsh history.
- The cantref was responsible for collecting taxes from the local population.
- The cantref played a key role in the political structure of Wales.
- Some cantrefs were known for their fertile land and prosperous communities.
- The cantref system eventually fell out of use as times changed.