cantref
Quick Summary
A cantref was an obsolete Welsh territorial unit, essentially a hundred. These units were composed of a hundred trefs, which were townships. The kingdoms of Wales were historically divided into these cantrefs for administrative purposes. Over time, particularly in the 12th century, the cantref was largely replaced by a smaller administrative unit called a commote. The cantref system, along with maenors (larger landholdings), formed the basis of early Welsh society and administration before the Norman invasions.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Caernarvonshire…region was divided into three cantreds, or districts (Arllechwedd, Arfon, and Llyn). The cantreds eventually became part of the principality of Gwynedd, ruled by the prince of Aberffraw and lord of Snowdon, whose domain was protected from the west by the natural barrier of the Snowdon range.
Read More…region was divided into three cantreds, or districts (Arllechwedd, Arfon, and Llyn). The cantreds eventually became part of the principality of Gwynedd, ruled by the prince of Aberffraw and lord of Snowdon, whose domain was protected from the west by the natural barrier of the Snowdon range.
Read More
WalesEarly Welsh society…purposes of royal administration into cantrefs. These in turn consisted of groups of maenors occupied by the bond or free elements of which Welsh society was composed. The bond population, which was probably larger than once thought and which was concentrated in fairly compact maenors in lowland areas that were…
Read More…purposes of royal administration into cantrefs. These in turn consisted of groups of maenors occupied by the bond or free elements of which Welsh society was composed. The bond population, which was probably larger than once thought and which was concentrated in fairly compact maenors in lowland areas that were…
Read More