Dyfed is a shire (a county). The boundaries may have been different at that time period but most recently it is mid-Wales along the west coast. In the word, Abernent, "aber" means "above" usually in reference to a river, village, or some other geographic feature below. I have a Welsh dictionary and map available if anyone wants more information. Lesley Graham lpg@bradley.bradley.edu On Wed, 30 Jul 1997 MFHOWELLJR@aol.com wrote: > Just came across some additional info (mixed in with some stuff I already > had)on Howell Welsh origins I thought I'd share. Would be interested if this > info supports or contradicts what each of you have. > Present Welsh, English and American Howells derive from old Welsh family of > Abernent in Carmarthenshire, the linage and name deriving from Howel Dda (I > think it's really Hywel Dda), the King of Wales from 943 to 950. He was > grandson of Rhodri Mawr, the Great, who united almost all of ancient Wales > under his supremacy. He (Hywel Dda I presume) was married to Ellen, daughter > of the last of the Kings of Dyfed (whoever or whatever that is?) > The reign of Howel Dda was remarkable for its peacefulness, and is the only > ruler of ancient Wales designated "The Good". He was also the only King ever > to issue his own coinage. > On a visit to Rome in 928, became a student of jurisprudence, and the code of > laws he composed is his lasting claim to fame. Three parts of his code are > still found in English Common Law (which three?). He was such a wise and just > man that he was called "the head and glory of all the Britons." > There is a place today in Wales called Crickhowell, which I think was Hywel > Dda's castle/home/fortress/something? Ring a bell with anyone? > Marshall > >