Gruffydd Maelor I facts for kids
Gruffydd Maelor (died 1191) was a Welsh prince who ruled a part of Powys, a historic kingdom in Wales. He is sometimes called Gruffydd Maelor I to tell him apart from his grandson, Gruffydd Maelor II.
Contents
Gruffydd Maelor's Family
Gruffydd Maelor was the son of Prince Madog ap Maredudd. His mother was Susanna, daughter of King Gruffudd ap Cynan. King Gruffudd was from the House of Aberffraw, a powerful royal family. Gruffydd Maelor would become the founder of an important ruling family in northern Powys during the 1200s.
How Powys Was Divided
When Gruffydd's father died in 1160, the kingdom of Powys was split. It was divided among his three sons, a nephew, and a half-brother. Gruffydd received the areas known as Maelor (also called Bromfield) and Iâl (also called Yale). These areas were his share of Powys.
More Land for Gruffydd
Gruffydd later gained more land. After his half-brother Owain Fychan died in 1187, Gruffydd added Nanheudwy, Cynllaith Owain, and Mochnant Is Rhaeadr to his lands.
Uniting Northern Powys
The lands Gruffydd inherited and later gained helped to bring together most of northern Powys. This unified area later became known as Powys Fadog. His son would inherit this larger territory.
Gruffydd's Marriage
Gruffydd married Princess Angharad. She was his cousin and the daughter of Owain Gwynedd, who was the King of Gwynedd.
Death and Children
Gruffydd Maelor died in 1191. He had two sons:
- Madog, who became ruler after his father.
- Owen, who ruled alongside his brother but died in 1197.
