Dear Jeff and members of the list According to some genealogies those with the surname Phillips are descendants of Mascen Wledig (or Maxen Wledig if you prefer). As I am sure members of this list are aware he was actually Magnus Maximus, the Roman Emperor in the West between 383 and 388 AD. He was the Roman leader in Britain and crossed the Channel to conquer the previous Emperor in the West. The widow of Magnus Maximus, Elen or Helen is said, by legend, to have created the Roman roads in Wales, the Sarn Elen. In addition to his appearance in "The Dream of Maxen Wledig", Magnus Maximus also appears in "Puck of Pook's Hill" by Kipling. Since the son of Magnus Maximus was also killed perhaps the descent is through the female line, not that I am saying this supposed genealogy to be a fact, but it is possible that there are many Welsh today descended from this historical figure. Best wishes from Gael (Phillips) in Oz Sent from my iPad