List of monarchs of Powys facts for kids
The kingdom of Powys was an important kingdom in the eastern part of central Wales. It included areas like Builth and Gwerthrynion. For a few years (around 441–447 AD), it was taken over by the Irish, led by someone named Banadl. Later, in 854, Powys joined with the powerful kingdom of Gwynedd. This happened when Cyngen ap Cadell, the last king of Powys from his family line, died. His nephew, Rhodri Mawr, who was already king of Gwynedd, took control of Powys.
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Rulers of Powys
This section lists the kings and princes who ruled Powys over many centuries.
Early Kings of Powys
The first known rulers of Powys belonged to the House of Gwertherion.
- Gwrtheyrn (High-King Vortigern): He was a very important early leader.
- Cadeyern Fendigaid (around 430–447): He was thought to be Gwrtheyrn's oldest son.
- Cadell Ddyrnllwg (around 447–460)
- Rhyddfedd Frych (around 480)
- Cyngen Glodrydd (around 500)
- Pasgen ap Cyngen (around 530)
- Morgan ap Pasgen (around 540)
- Brochwel Ysgithrog (around 550)
- Cynan Garwyn (?–610)
- Selyf ap Cynan (610–613)
- Manwgan ap Selyf (613)
- Eiludd Powys (613–?)
- Beli ap Eiludd (around 655)
- Gwylog ap Beli (695?–725)
- Elisedd ap Gwylog (725–755?)
- Brochfael ap Elisedd (755?–773)
- Cadell ap Brochfael (773–808)
- Cyngen ap Cadell (808–854): He was the last king from this family line. His throne was taken by Rhodri Mawr of Gwynedd. Cyngen's family then went to Rome.
Later Rulers and Changes
After Cyngen ap Cadell, the rule of Powys changed hands.
- Rhodri Mawr (854–878): He was already the powerful king of Gwynedd. Some old writings say he inherited Powys through his mother, Nest.
- Merfyn ap Rhodri (878–900): From the house of Aberffraw.
- Llywelyn ap Merfyn (900–942): Also from the house of Aberffraw.
- Hywel Dda (942–950): He was a king from the house of Dinefwr who took control from the Aberffraw family.
- Owain ap Hywel (950–986): From the Mathrafal dynasty, a branch of the House of Dinefwr.
- Maredudd ap Owain (986–999)
- Llywelyn ap Seisyll (999–1023): He was married to Angharad, who was the daughter of Maredudd ab Owain.
- Rhydderch ap Iestyn (1023–1033)
- Iago ap Idwal (1033–1039)
- Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1039–1063): He was a prince of Gwynedd who took over Powys.
The Mathrafal Princes
The Mathrafal family became important rulers in Powys.
- Bleddyn ap Cynfyn (1063–1075)
- Iorwerth ap Bleddyn (1075–1103, part of his rule)
- Cadwgan ap Bleddyn (1075–1111, part of his rule)
- Owain ap Cadwgan (1111–1116, part of his rule)
- Maredudd ap Bleddyn (1116–1132)
- Madog ap Maredudd (1132–1160)
After 1160, the Kingdom of Powys was divided into two separate parts. The southern part became known as Powys Wenwynwyn. This name came from Gwenwynwyn ab Owain, a prince who ruled there. The northern part was called Powys Fadog, named after Madog ap Gruffydd.
See also
