Creuddyn, Ceredigion facts for kids
Creuddyn was an important area in medieval Wales. It was like a small region or district. People called it a commote (pronounced: cum-wood) or a lordship. Creuddyn was located in Ceredigion, a county in Wales. It sat between two rivers, the Ystwyth and the Rheidol.
Creuddyn was one of three main districts that made up a larger area called Cantref Penweddig. The name 'Creuddyn' comes from old Welsh. It might refer to a place called Pen Dinas, which was an ancient hill fort. The main village in Creuddyn was Llanfihangel y Creuddyn. Many roads met there, making it a busy center. Today, a village and church still carry the name Creuddyn, but the old district was much larger.
A Look Back: Creuddyn's History
Creuddyn was part of the Kingdom of Ceredigion during the Middle Ages. This kingdom was often ruled by powerful leaders called princes. These princes came from a larger kingdom known as Deheubarth.
Battles and Rulers
Many princes fought for control of Creuddyn and the surrounding lands. One important person was Maelgwn Fychan. He was the grandson of a famous Welsh prince named Rhys ap Gruffydd. Maelgwn Fychan lived in the 1200s and was involved in many struggles for power.
A woman named Gwenllian, who passed away in 1254, also had connections to this area. She died in Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn. It's thought that Maelgwn Fychan, or perhaps his grandsons Llywelyn or Rhys, might have helped build the large church there. This church was built in the 13th century and is still standing today.
