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Welcome
to the original and official Clan Cunningham Global Society. Our international society was founded in 1984 for the
benefit of all, only after careful research and advice from the only authority regarding armigerous Scottish clans
without a chief. Our convenor wrote the Lord Lyon King of Arms of Scotland on how best to represent our Clan in
the absence of a chief. The 15 Earls of Glencairn, and the ancestors of this direct Glencairn line, the Lords of
Kilmaurs, were powerful and influential Cunningham Chiefs for nearly 700 years. We were advised to represent our
Clan in a manner in which our chief would approve - which we openly and publicly aspire to do - and to name our
society, the Clan Cunningham Society of America. We retain this legal name to honor our legitimate origins and
original charter from 1984, although we have been operating as the global Clan Cunningham society from our very
inception, and nowadays, also conduct our affairs under the dba of Clan Cunningham Global, with members residing
all over the world. If you are seeking the foremost resource, and
representative
, for the Cunninghams of the direct Glencairn line who brought
honor
, esteem and prestige to that name spanning eight centuries in Scotland, you have come to the right place. As the
leader of CCG, who takes the Glencairn legacy seriously, I place a high value on integrity and reliability,
holding myself and our society to high standards. Those of us of Celtic descent, like CCG members, are compelled
to aim high. For us at CCG who strive for excellence with the passion of our race, such pursuit is its own reward.
At CCG, we consider upholding the Glencairn legacy as a privilege which we endeavor to achieve in all our
affairs...
We interrupt this article for Important BREAKING News!
Copyright Nigel Dryden Cunningham
BOOK SUMMARY
Name Origin
King Arthur is remembered from the Gaelic version of his name which is Cion
Aodha. Cionaodha is the Gaelic version of the Brythonic name Cunedda. Aodha was the ancient Celtic Sun
God and God of Fire. Cion and Cun as in Cuning means "King", and it also means "head" as in Ken and Pen.
The modern form of Cunedda and Cionaodha is Kenneth. Cunedda and Cionaodha both translate as "head
dragon". Dragon is derived from Aodh, the God of Fire. Aodha with an "a" added means the son of Aodh.
"Ao" is what is known as a diphthong. "dh" and "dd" as contained in Aodha and Cunedda are pronounced
"th". Aodha is therefore pronounced Arthur. The name relates to dragons not bears. The Gaelic and
English versions of the name are a perfect match. Einion Yrth ap Cunedda was Uther Pendragon, the father
of King Arthur. Yrth is Uther. Cunedda translates as Pendragon. Uther Pendragon had two sons, Owain
Ddantgwyn and Cadwallon Lawhir. The name Cadwallon means Battle Leader and Lawhir means long hand. The
Leader of Battles with the long hand was King Arthur of Mt Badon.
Two matching dynasties
The Cunedda dynasty equates to and matches the Arthurian dynasty, on a king by king basis. They are one
and the same. The two dynasties are a perfect match both in terms of calendar years and equivalent
names, as explained in the book.
Cunedda
dynasty
Arthurian
dynasty (see Geoffrey of Monmouth)
Cunedda Wledig aka Edern ap Padarn Emperor Constantine
3rd
Cunedda ap
Edern Emperor
Constans
Eternus ap Cunedda aka Emrys Wledig Ambrosius Aurelianus
Einion Yrth ap Cunedda
Uther
Pendragon
Cadwallon Lawhir ap
Einion King
Arthur of Mons Badonicus
Owain Ddantgwyn ap
Einion King
Arthur of Camlann
Maelgwn
Gwynedd Mordred
Cunedda Wledig and his son Cunedda ap Edern have been conflated in history. Edern ap Padarn was Cunedda
Wledig, and it was Edern who married Gwawl verch Coel, who was the mother of the younger Cunedda, and
not his spouse. This is confirmed by the Triads Ynys Prydein edited by Rachel Bromwich. This conflation
of the two Cuneddas resulted in the loss of one generation in the Arthurian dynasty and in some versions
of Nennius. The correct version of Nennius is the one that refers to Cunedda as Maelgwn's great great
grandfather, who is Edern ap Padarn. It is Edern ap Padarn who is Cunedda Wledig. Another version refers
to Cunedda as Maelgwn's great grandfather but four generations do not fill the 146 year time frame. The
result of this is that the Arthurian dynasty is also collapsed by one generation. Geoffrey of Monmouth
records Constans as an older brother of Ambrosius and Uther Pendragon but he is in fact their father. It
was Edern ap Padarn who as Cunedda Wledig drove out the Irish from North Wales in 401, which was 146
years before (the end of) Maelgwn's reign in 547. The date of 401 is supported by Prof Charles-Edwards
of Oxford University. It was Cunedda Wledig (meaning Imperator) who was elevated by his army in 407 to
Western Roman Emperor Constantine 3rd. The Elegy to Cunedda written by the bard Taliesin refers to him
crossing the Channel and as "the man who gained sway over the habitable surface of the world."
History by the numbers
Nennius's dating of events is precise, consistent and correct. It all reconciles. Geoffrey of Monmouth's
account, which is undated, matches almost perfectly with Nennius's timeframes and event sequence. There
are in fact two parallel timeframes given by Nennius which are separated by 18 years. Each of the
timeframes commence with the end of Constantine's (Edern ap Padarn aka Cunedda Wledig) reign as King of
Britons. His reign ended in 411 but his death (as Edern ap Padarn) is recorded in 429. Constans reigned
from 412 until he was overthrown by Vortigern in 425. The alternative but incorrect timeframe is 430
until 443. In the fourth year of Vortigern's reign the Saxons led by Hengist and Horsa came to Britain,
which is in 429. The alternative year of 447 given by Nennius is wrong. Bede compounds this error by
recording the year as 449. The Battle of Mt Badon was recorded by Bede as occurring 44 years after the
Saxon Adventus which according to Bede would be in 493, but this date is according to the second
timeframe which is out by 18 years. The correct date is therefore 475. Bede also got the 44 years wrong
by using 449 instead of 447. The Battle of Mt Badon occurred in 475 (493) which is 46 years after the
Saxon Adventus in 429 (447). We know that 429 is the correct year because that is the same year in which
St Germanus came to Britain.
Vortigern was defeated by Ambrosius Aurelianus 12 years after Vortigern usurped the Crown, which was in
437. This dating is provided by Nennius. Ambrosius reigned as King of Britons from 437 until his death
in 451, which was the year of Halley's Comet as described by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Merlin (according to
Geoffrey of Monmouth's history book) says that the comet heralds Uther's son, who will become Britain's
greatest leader. Ambrosius was succeeded by his brother Uther Pendragon. The following Easter (452)
Uther held a great celebration, which ultimately resulted in him seducing Ygerna at Tintagel Castle one
week later. Uther's seduction of Ygerna led to the birth of King Arthur around New Year 453. This
timeframe matches King Arthur with Cadwallon Lawhir, whose name means "Leader of Battles with the long
hand". King Arthur was famously referred to as the "Leader of Battles". It was also said that 940 Saxons
were killed at the Battle of Mons Badonicus by his hand alone. The Bard Taliesin confirms Cadwallon as
being King Arthur when he refers to Arthur as "Hu of the expanded wings". Hugh is a variant name of
Aodha/Arthur. Expanded wings refers to Lawhir (long arms). Arthur was crowned King (Regent) at the age
of 15, which event can be dated to 468. In 468/469 Riothamus campaigned in Gaul and has been identified
as King Arthur by Geoffrey Ashe. Riothamus was not King Arthur but he was Uther Pendragon. Riothamus
suffered a crushing defeat in Gaul. He gathered together the survivors of his army and then disappeared,
according to a history written by Jordanes. He reappears in Geoffrey's history book as Uther Pendragon
"the half dead king", which indicates that he was severely injured in the Gallic campaign but managed to
return to Britain. Uther died shortly thereafter in 470. It was a young King Arthur who led the Britons
to victory over the Saxons and Franks at Mons Badonicus (Mt Badon) in 475. It was Childeric the King of
the Franks who was defeated by King Arthur at Mons Badonicus. Prof Charles-Edwards of Oxford University
says that the area of Anglo Saxon settlement expanded up to 475. It can be concluded that King Arthurs
victory at Mons Badonicus in 475 permanently stopped the territorial expansion of Anglo Saxon
settlement. King Arthur (Cadwallon Lawhir) died in 517 and was succeeded by his brother Owain Ddantgwyn
as King of Britons. The Battle of Camlann was recorded by the Annales Cambriae as occurring in 537, but
that is according to the second timeframe which is out by 18 years. The correct year is 519. In that
year Maelgwn fought and killed his uncle King Owain Ddantgwyn (his name translates as King Arthur the
Lesser). Maelgwn Gwynedd the Dragon of Britain then reigned as King of Britons until his own death in
547. Guinevere (her name translates as "wife of King Arthur") was wrongly accused in later centuries of
betraying her husband King Arthur, but he had already died in 517, and all she was doing was supporting
the succession of their son Maelgwn Gwynedd against his uncle the King. Maelgwn Gwynedd's (aka
Maglocunus) name translates as Cunedda ap Cunedda, which identifies his father's (Cadwallon's) name as
Cunedda/ Cionaodha/ King Arthur. Cadwallon was a title meaning Leader of Battles.
The Cunningham Clan
Bede in his Ecclesiastical History written in 731 refers to a story about the Cunningas (Cunninghams) of
the seventh century. It is clear from his account that the Cunningham district (In Cunningum) in
Scotland is named after the Cunningham clan and family. The name of the district means "among the
Cunninghams". This information is confirmed by Professor Charles-Edwards of Oxford University. The
Cunningham name of the seventh century matches and reconciles with the Cunedda family name of the fifth
and sixth centuries, which confirms that it is almost certain that the Cunninghams are descended from
Cunedda, and therefore also from King Arthur, either through direct descent from King Arthur's progeny
or otherwise through his siblings or uncles and cousins (all of whom descend from King Arthur's
grandfather Cunedda ap Edern). The last words of the last chapter of the book are "in Cunningum
Cionaodha" which means "among Cunninghams King Arthur."
Anglo Saxon Hoax
The book also uncovers the Anglo Saxon Hoax thereby providing a double whammy against the Anglo Saxonist
"history" of Britain.
The Foundation Stone of Britain
Almost every page of the book contains valuable information and evidence, which it is not possible to
recount in a short summary. The evidence for the true identity of King Arthur is both conclusive and
overwhelming. This book restores the foundation stone of Post Roman Britain from the fifth century to
the present day. It is that foundation stone on which Britain was built and still stands. It is the same
foundation stone from which Britain's Crown draws its legitimacy and power; the foundation stone on
which Britain was created and constituted; the true source of the Once and Future King. Every King or
Prince of Wales, and every King of Scotland was descended from King Arthur. All the Kings of Wessex and
England claimed descent from Cerdic and his son Cynric. Cerdic was the fifth son of Cunedda, and the
brother of Uther Pendragon. The Tudors, the Stuarts, and the present Royal family are all descended from
King Arthur. The lineage and lines of descent from King Arthur are disclosed in the book.
King Arthur in Literature
King Arthur is the foundation stone of Britain's history and also of Britain's literature, which
combined together constitutes the Matter of Britain. The historical King Arthur is the source and
inspiration for the literature. The intrinsic value and the resilience of the literature is derived from
its source. The literature cannot be properly understood, studied or evaluated in isolation from its
true source.
Book distribution
The Book will be distributed to bookshops in Wales by the Wales Book Council. The appointment of a
distributor for other parts of Britain, and for Ireland, is currently in progress. The book will be
distributed to bookshops in Australia and New Zealand by Booktopia; and in South Africa by Xavier Nagel
which distribution will include Exclusive Bookshops. We are currently negotiating with IPG to distribute
the book to bookshops in the USA and Canada.
The book will also
be able to be ordered from www.asmedia.com.au once the new website is completed. The book will also be
available from Amazon and other online sources in due course.
Book dimensions and RRP
The book consists of 320 pages and its dimensions are 234mm x 153mm.
RRP: Australia $45, Canada $40.50, Ireland ?27.80, New Zealand $49.50, South Africa R450, UK �24.75.
Concluding comment
This is a monumental and ground breaking book which repositions, remakes and rewrites, from the ground
up, all of British history (from the fifth century of King Arthur to Winston Churchill, and Queen
Elizabeth in the twenty-first century). It is therefore desirable and necessary that the book is widely
distributed in order to meet the widespread interest and audience which it will inevitably generate.
We continually embark on new activities, programs, and projects like the granite monument to our last Clan Chief
and 15th Earl of Glencairn, John Cunningham, which we commissioned, placed and dedicated on November 25, 2003 in
Edinburgh; like the Civic Reception hosted by the City of Edinburgh for Clan Cunningham that same day to honor
the contribution of that monument to Edinburgh by CCG; like the first International Clan Cunningham Gathering in
over 250 years at Balgonie Castle on November 27, 2003; like the 11 day Historical Sites Tour of France and the
District of Cunninghame, Scotland which we organized and guided in November 2004; like the International Clan
Cunningham Gathering at Stirling Castle on November 28, 2004; like the St. Andrew's Night Banquet and Gala at
the French Ch�teau de Cherveux built by Robert de Conyngham in 1470, a Captain of the Scots Guard for French
Kings Charles VII and Louis XI, where our members gathered with Scots and the French to celebrate the Auld
Alliance and the strong Clan Cunningham ties to the ch�teau and the region; just to name a few. These activities
over the last several years have made impressive strides in creating awareness that the legacy of Clan
Cunningham is well remembered and celebrated by our society in the USA and beyond. We continue to make our
presence known by joining in friendship and common cause with Cunninghams from our own neighborhoods, to the
land of our ancestors, and those to which they travelled, fought, loved and died. All that we do at Clan
Cunningham Global serves to preserve, discover, restore, document, protect and share our rich Celtic history and
Clan Cunningham heritage.
Clan Cunningham Global distributes our informative and entertaining quarterly newsletter, packed with full-color
original photographs of the District of Cunninghame in Scotland, to current members around the world. We also
publish two copywritten books, written and illustrated by member James V. Miller, one on the origins, heritage
and traditions of Clan Cunningham and the other a travel guide to Clan Cunningham historical sites in Scotland
and Ireland. We also have available a poster size map of the District of Cunninghame as well as a set of three
color prints all created by member James V. Miller (For details see
Clan Store
). In addition to the establishment of our own historical and genealogical libraries, CCG has chosen the Ellen
Payne Odom Genealogical Library in Moultrie, Georgia to act as a repository for those materials meticulously
collected over the years. The Odom Library is recognized as a leading repository for Scottish clan organizations
across America and contains the genealogy and history of over one hundred clans.
CCG also presented
the current owners of Finlaystone with the Glencairn Arms which resides there, thanks to their generosity, as an
historical marker at Finlaystone House in Langbank, Scotland. Finlaystone Country Estate was the home of the
Earls of Glencairn and the Clan Cunningham Chiefs for over 400 years and is currently owned and inhabited by
George MacMillan, Chief of Clan MacMillan and is open to the public.
by Larry Augsbury, High Commissioner and Chairman
This October 15, 2021 newsletter went out for the 83rd consecutive quarterly issue upon which our members have
grown to depend over the past 21 years; and 2021 is no exception.
Another tour of Ireland, France, and Scotland is never out of reach for a future date yet undetermined; and who
knows, maybe we can even ressurect that elusive trip to Australia that was well in the works. Like our previous
tours it will be packed with unique and interesting Cunningham activities to preserve our history, perhaps
discover more on this trip, and maybe even make a little more along the way. Plans for unique and exciting
experiences are always being considered!
The last twenty-one years of involvement with the administration of the Clan Cunningham Society with its
world-wide membership have been a very satisfying experience. Our new members continue to instill a fresh
vitality, initiative, and commitment that sustain our Clan Cunningham spirit. For example, we continue to expand
our ever growing online genealogy database with some new and historically significant recent entries from around
the world.
One of the principal benefits to our members continues to be our full-color international quarterly Communiqu�
newsletter packed with original photographs and artwork of our Celtic homelands, including the District of
Cunninghame in Scotland.
Over the last twenty-one years, that's 82 consecutive issues, our CCSA quarterly newsletter has arrived
faithfully to current Clan Cunningham members with its wealth of interesting, informative, and entertaining
information and images.
The Clan Cunningham Society continues its Board of Director approved Strategic Plan goals which includes
consistent, timely, and responsive interaction with, and service to the world-wide Glencairn legacy, and our
membership, and we continue to broadened our horizons well beyond the shores of America!
We fix our gaze back to when the Cunningham name was treated with great respect, whose chiefs' support and
counsel was sought by Scotland's monarchs. With that in mind, we prepare for another journey in the very near
future to those places from the past where Cunningham's left their mark centuries ago in Ireland, France, and
Scotland! And where we shall endeavor to preserve that heritage, and leave our mark in the doing.
The past twenty-one years have been a dramatic sojourn through a Cunningham era from which we are proud to have
descended. We have broadened the scope of our Clan Cunningham Society far beyond the numerous hospitality tents
we host at Scottish/Irish festivals and games.
To illustrate, eighteen years ago we were contacted by Fran�ois Redien, the owner of the Ch�teau de Cherveux,
built by Robert de Conyngham during the turbulent middle ages! We sent a copy of our first foreign language
newsletter, our January 15, 2003 edition, translated into French, to Fran�ois, and featured his chateau in our
April 15, 2003 edition which included the letter written in the year 1456 from King James II of Scotland to King
Charles VII of France regarding Robert de Conyngham. We worked together with him to research his Cunningham
connections and prepared a specially bound French translation of the new edition of our Clan Cunningham Origins,
Heritage and Traditions book, with a new chapter dedicated to the Scottish/French "Auld Alliance", as a gift,
presented to him in person on November 21, 2003 by our High Commissioner at the St Andrews Gala and celebration
dinner which took place at the ch�teau, for display and reference in the Chateau de Cherveux to inform guests of
its Cunningham origins. Pascale Hime, pictured at right, was a graduate student at the University of Colorado,
Boulder, while she completed the translation, and is a native speaker of both French and English. The book is
beautifically bound in leather with the Glencairn Arms in gold-foil stamped on its cover.
Our Clan Cunningham Society, continues to forge ahead into the 21st century with a clear vision for the future
of an honorable Clan Cunningham presence in our contemporary era, and with a sharp eye back to the noble
Cunningham heritage and esteemed reputation. We welcome you to join Clan Cunningham and be a part of the Clan
Cunningham RISING!
To preserve and promote the customs,
traditions, heritage and unity of Clan Cunningham.
* To research, collect, document and share with current members our vast Cunningham genealogical library and
database.
* To identity, collect and preserve our Clan's historical documents, sites, tartans, music, literature and
genealogical records.
* To cultivate an awareness of and appreciation for our Scottish culture, heraldry, music, customs, folklore,
language, and assist in the education of Society members, and their descendants, or any other interested group in
Scottish matters, past, present or future.
* To promote our Scottish heritage and inspire among our membership and future generations, the spirit and pride
of our ancestors by representing the Society at Scottish Games, Festivals or any other related Gatherings.
* The Clan Cunningham Society of America, Inc. is Non-Profit, Non-Political and Non-Sectarian.
See some past CCSA
Cunningham Newsletters
published on Electric Scotland with photos and travel articles from the District of Cunninghame, read about the
CCSA reorganization, Clan Cunningham history and much more!. Go to the membership page and join CCSA and receive
your newsletter every three months and experience Scotland and Clan Cunningham heritage past and present.
Upon the death of John
Cunningham, 15th Earl of Glencairn, without issue in 1796, the Glencairn line of these noble earls became dormant.
There had been several unsuccessful claims to the title, none of which had been able to prove their claim to the
Lord Lyon Court's satisfaction; until recently, when our Cunningham clan had our new Chief officially recognized
by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms of Scotland.
Our goal has always been and will always be thus to uphold the esteemed legacy of the Earls of Glencairn, and
their ancestors from whom this noble line descended.
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