Pabo or Pappo central Yorkshire, fl early 500s. Pabo was the brother of Gurgust and the grandson of Coel. He was called “the Pillar of Britain” which presumbably means he was a strength to the British in the dark days of invasion from the Picts, Irish and Saxons, as well as the in-fighting between the British tribes. Just where he ruled is not entirely clear. It has been suggessted that he controlled the Pennines throughout Yorkshire, though it has also been suggested that he ventured west into Rheged and may have controlled parts of Cumbria. In all probability Pabo controlled central Brigantia whilst Gurgust controlled the west. Although he divided his territories between his sons Dunaut and Samyl, it seems that his nephew, Merchiaun, musdt have taken over Cumbria. The dating of Pabo is difficult. His son, Dunaut, is recorded in the Welsh Annals as dying in 595, and he was also present at the Battle of Arthuret in 573. Assuming that Dunaut was probably then in his thirties, would suggest that Pabo lived from around 510 to 550. However, if he were genuinely the grandson of Coel, who is traditionally dated to around the year 430, Pabo’s father Ceneu would have lived from around 430-480, which would place Pabo into the period roughly 460-520. He has been associated with the Welsh saint Pabo who died in about 530 and who is buried in Llanbabo in Anglesey. It is possible that pabo retired there in his old age, perhamps in his sixties.540