Sub-Roman Britain (Cavalry etc)

[Robert Vermaat]

Hi Chris,

It's quite unlikely (and a lot of etymologists have not looked at this problem with a critical eye - the Cunorix = Cynric mem has become received wisdom) - the 5th century pronunciation of Britonic Cunorix (which was already well on its way to becoming Old Welsh Cinir) would not easily become Saxon Cynric through any normal linguistic process.

I must disagree there, it's by no means as clear-cut as you suggest (or beat your colleagues around the ears with). For as long as we date the inscription on the Wroxeter stone to the later 5th century, there is evidence to suggest that Cunorix was a form still in use during that period. Therefore I think it a possibility (not: "it is") that the name Cynric went back on a British name. Mind you, even so, that does not mean that the person also was a Briton, or spoke British. Attila is a good example.