Gwenwynwyn facts for kids
Gwenwynwyn ab Owain Cyfeiliog was an important Welsh ruler who lived a long time ago, around the 1200s. He was one of the last big leaders in central Wales before the English took over completely. Gwenwynwyn was also one of the few Welsh leaders who truly challenged the power of Llywelyn the Great, another very powerful Welsh prince.
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Gwenwynwyn's Early Life and Rule
Gwenwynwyn became the ruler of southern Powys (a part called Powys Wenwynwyn) in 1195. He took over after his father, Owain Cyfeiliog, decided to retire.
Family and Early Actions
In 1187, Gwenwynwyn and his brother Cadwallon attacked Carreghofa Castle. During this attack, they killed their father's cousin, Owain Fychan. Gwenwynwyn also helped another Welsh leader, Maelgwn ap Rhys, capture Aberystwyth Castle. They even captured Maelgwn's brother, Gruffydd ap Rhys II, and handed him over to the English.
Gwenwynwyn's father, Owain Cyfeiliog, was a famous poet and a leader who fought against the English. Owain became a monk in 1197, two years after giving up his rule. Gwenwynwyn continued his father's way of dealing with the English. He is thought to have agreed with King Richard I of England not to attack his kingdom while Richard was away on a crusade.
In 1199, Gwenwynwyn made peace with Richard's successor, King John. As a reward, Gwenwynwyn married an English noblewoman named Margaret Corbet around 1200. She was the daughter of the Lord of Caus, a border area.
Challenges with Llywelyn the Great
Gwenwynwyn's control over Powys Wenwynwyn often led to disagreements with Llywelyn the Great. Llywelyn was the powerful ruler of Gwynedd and wanted to control all of Wales.
Uneasy Peace and Imprisonment
In 1202, Gwenwynwyn started attacking English lords who lived on the Welsh border. This made King John unhappy with him. Because of this, Gwenwynwyn was eventually put in prison in Shrewsbury.
Conflicts with King John
King John had favored Gwenwynwyn for a while. However, this changed when Llywelyn married King John's illegitimate daughter. The two Welsh princes stayed away from each other until 1207.
Loss and Recovery of Lands
Because Gwenwynwyn was aggressive, King John took him prisoner again in 1208. John also took away Gwenwynwyn's lands. At the same time, Llywelyn took control of Ceredigion, Aberystwyth, and Powys.
After two years, King John helped Gwenwynwyn get his lands back. Once freed, Gwenwynwyn got most of his possessions back. He even went with King John on a trip into Wales.
However, Gwenwynwyn still disliked the English. This led him to form an alliance with Llywelyn. This alliance lasted from 1212 until 1216. Then, King John gave Gwenwynwyn some more property, and the two Welsh princes, Gwenwynwyn and Llywelyn, had another falling out. Llywelyn chased Gwenwynwyn and took his lands. Gwenwynwyn had to find safety in Chester.
Death and What Happened Next
Llywelyn invaded Powys with the help of other Welsh leaders who were against the English. Gwenwynwyn had been forced out of his lands. It is believed he died or was killed later that same year, around 1216.
His son, Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, took over after him. Gruffydd was Gwenwynwyn's son with Margaret Corbet. Gruffydd eventually got his lands back after Llywelyn died. He continued to have conflicts with the princes of Gwynedd.
