Celts and Saxons in Devon

Celts and Saxons in Devon
…..
Eventually the Saxon advance westward recommenced and in the sixth century (577AD) the Britons of the westcountry were separated from those of Wales. The Saxons called the Welsh 'Wealas' (meaning foreigners) and the Dumnonians – the Celtic tribe of South-West England - became the 'West Wealas' and this is reflected on a number of ancient maps.
By 710 AD the Saxons are believed to have taken control of Exeter, and over the next 60 years the Saxons attempted to subjugate the Dumnonian nation. Despite set-backs (eg 722 AD) the Saxons were largely successful and progressively extended their influence westward. In 814 AD the Saxons conquered the Dumnonian 'rump' of Cornwall, after the Cornish had allied themselves with the Danes.

Insurrections continued, but in 838 AD the Saxons defeat a combined Cornish and Danish Force near Callington, and this was the last battle fought by the Celts against the Saxons.

However, to see the Saxon invasion as a continuous battle is incorrect. Although the period is littered with numerous military confrontations, for the majority of this time the native Celts and invading Saxons appear to have tolerated each other.

Following the 'conquest' of Devon the Saxons had four laws. Not only did they practise different laws for rich and poor, but had rules for Saxon rich, Saxon poor, Celtic rich and Celtic poor. This demonstrates not only that the Celts 'survived' the conquest, but that some managed to retain some wealth at the transition, although the law for Celtic rich was later dispensed with.

Evidence of continued Celtic settlement in Devon at this time can also be found in Exeter retaining a 'British quarter' which was so named for centuries, and by reference to 'Wealcynn', which is what the Saxons called those Celts who did not live in Cornwall. Branscombe is one such place mentioned in King Alfred's will in 900 AD.

In 927 AD Saxon King Athelstan expelled the Celts from Exeter (possibly because of concerns that they had allegiances with the Danes) although they relocated only as far as where Exeter St David's train station now stands.

In 936AD Athelstan set the boundary between Devon and Cornwall at the Tamar, where it has remained ever since.