Cadwgan ap Meurig facts for kids

Cadwgan ap Meurig was a Welsh ruler who lived and was active between the years 1045 and 1074. He was a king in medieval Wales, ruling over two smaller kingdoms called Gwent and Morgannwg. This was a time when many different families were fighting for power in Wales, just before the Normans arrived and started to take control.

Cadwgan ap Meurig: A Welsh Ruler

Who Was Cadwgan ap Meurig?

Cadwgan ap Meurig was an important leader in Wales during the 11th century. He was in charge of the regions known as Gwent and Morgannwg. These were not huge kingdoms like we think of today, but rather smaller areas that had their own rulers. His time as king was full of challenges.

Facing the Normans

A historian named Orderic Vitalis wrote about Cadwgan. He mentioned that a Welsh king named "Caducan" lost a battle against a powerful Norman leader. This Norman was William FitzOsbern, 1st Earl of Hereford. This battle likely happened around the year 1070.

After this defeat, the Normans started to take control in Gwent. This meant Cadwgan's power began to weaken.

The End of His Reign

Cadwgan was eventually removed from his position as king. He was "deposed" by another ambitious Welshman named Caradog ap Gruffydd. Caradog was the son of a previous king, Gruffydd ap Rhydderch. It's not clear what happened to Cadwgan after he was removed from power. We don't know if he was killed or simply driven away from his kingdom.