Merewalh (sometimes given as Merwal[1]orMerewald[2] was a sub-king of the Magonsæte, a western[3] cadet kingdom of Mercia thought to have been located in Herefordshire and Shropshire. Merewalh is thought to have lived in the mid to late 7th century, having acceded the throne during the time of Penda of Mercia, who, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle [1]: implies, was his father. Though Merewalh's name implies that may have been a Briton. It is possible that Merewalh was a British leader, rewarded by Penda for his aid in war, perhaps at the Battle of Maserfelth. We know nothing of the origins of his first wife, who could have been a relative of Penda. A British origin might explain his control of lands around Leominster, where no evidence of early settlement by pagan Anglo-Saxons is to be found.[4]
The name Merewalh signifies "Famous Foreigner" or "Celebrated Welshman", possibly indicating that he, and perhaps even Penda's dynasty, was of Celtic origin. During his lifetime, Merewalh converted to Christianity in about 660, founding Leominster Priory[2]. Merewalh married Saint Ermenburga,[6] having several children (see below). He died sometime between 670 and 685, being succeeded by his son Merchelm.
The Kentish royal legend makes Merewald a son of king Penda. He married the Kentish princess, Domne Eafe, and their offspring were the Saints Mildburh,[7] Mildrið[8] and Mildgið[9]
Their son Merefin, described in the legend as "the holy child" (þæt halige cild), died as a youth (Þonne wæs Sancte merefin þæt halige cild on iogoðhade to gode gelæd); described by Florence of Worcester as "a youth of eminent piety."[10]