A legendary 5th-century Romano-British king said by Bede to have invited Hengist and Horsa to Britain as mercenaries in an attempt to withstand the raids by the Picts and the Scots. The plan rebounded on Vortigern when Hengist and Horsa turned against him (455) and seized lands in Kent. He was blamed by Gildas for his misjudgement and also for the loss of Britain.