I don’t cover our ancient history enough, in my opinion. Admittedly, it’s not my strong point (though I am very much interested in ancient history and the classics) and therefore I tend to avoid it. Well, let’s break the trend.
Over the next few days, weeks, months etc, I will attempt to cover some of the ancient Welsh tribes. Let’s begin with what would be my “local” tribe as a Denbighshire man: the Deceangli (Tegeingl, Yn Gymraeg).
Who Were the Deceangli?
They are perhaps less extensively covered than neighbouring tribes, such as the much larger Ordovices, but the Deceangli still played their part and were active throughout parts of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy and the English county of Cheshire.
Like other tribes, they lived in hillforts and had their own capital, Canovium.
This, of course, is a Latinised name and I have been unable to trace the Brythonic name for it, though it is today located in the Welsh community of Caerhun.
The Deceangli lived throughout Bryniau Clwyd (the Clwydian Range, in English) and had many other hillforts there, too.
They likely occupied the area for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the Romans (this is, I am afraid, how most of these tribal posts will end) and their attack on the Deceangli in AD 48.
This attack was led by the Roman legate Publius Ostorius Scapula, a constant thorn in the side of the Brythonic tribes and integral to the story of the legendary Briton warlod, Caratacus (Caradog, in Welsh).
Unlike other areas conquered by the Romans which were built upon (like Caerleon), the same cannot be said for this area.
However, it is certain that the Romans mined the area for its resources, with evidence of Roman Britain lead bearing inscriptions containing “Deceangli” having been unearthed in Chester.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – January 2026
Welsh Histories Magazine January 2026 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for January 2026 has finally arrived!
This month’s Welsh Histories Magazine is the first to kick off 2026 and covers the very interesting topic of the history of Christianity in Cymru. Originally, the plan was to create a magazine which covers the history of religion within Cymru but I figured that, given the extensive history of Christianity as the majority religion, it would make more sense to cover this separately. However, the closing article does reference other religions, too. I am a religious education teacher by trade, so this is a personal favourite topic of mine! I hope you enjoy.
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As always, there are some “Did You Know” facts thrown in. I try to make these relevant to the topic and this month’s fun facts also reference the other religions currently present and growing within Cymru.
This year’s magazines have been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). All images used in these issues of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details, where applicable.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.