Cummock
Cunningham refers to the historic region of Cunninghame, which is situated in the southwestern part of Scotland, primarily in North Ayrshire.
It originally belonged to Sir Galleron, but Arthur annexed it and gave it to Gawaine. Galleron arrived at a feast and challenged Gawain for ownership of the land. The fight ended in a draw, but Gawain graciously returned the country to Galleron anyway.
Cunningham | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Influence | 1st – 5th centuries
The Romans had a presence in what is now Scotland during the Roman Empire’s expansion into Britain. However, the specific region of Cunningham is not prominently mentioned in Roman records, and the Roman influence in this area was likely limited.
In the early fifth century, Roman influence in Britain declined, and Roman legions gradually withdrew from the island. The Roman presence in Cunningham and the wider area of southwest Scotland would have diminished during this time.
Celtic Period | 5th – 7th centuries
The period from the fifth to seventh centuries saw the influence of Celtic peoples in Scotland. The region would have been part of the broader cultural and political landscape of Celtic tribes and kingdoms.
The region that encompasses Cunningham was part of the ancient British Kingdom of Strathclyde during this period. The Kingdom of Strathclyde, which emerged around the sixth century, was a Brythonic kingdom, and its people spoke a Celtic language. Strathclyde was a significant polity, and its border fluctuated over time, encompassing parts of present-day southern Scotland and northern England.
During this era, the Kingdom of Strathclyde would have interacted with neighboring kingdoms and tribes, including the emerging Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the south and the Irish kingdoms to the west. There would have been trade, cultural exchange, and likely occasional conflicts with these neighboring powers.
The spread of Christianity was well underway during the Early Medieval period. Missionaries from both the Roman and Celtic Christian traditions were active in the British Isles, and this would have influenced the religious landscape of the region, including Cunningham.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Period | 8th – 9th centuries
The eighth and ninth centuries witnessed interactions with Anglo-Saxons and Viking influences. These interactions included both trade and conflict, with Viking raids affecting various coastal regions.
See also
The Roman Empire | The Legend of King Arthur
Source
The Awntyrs off Arthure at the Terne Wathelyn | Late 14th century