Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor facts for kids

Traditional arms of Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, later the banner of the princely realm of Powys Fadog

Madog ap Gruffudd, also known as Madog ap Gruffudd Maelor, was a powerful Welsh prince. He ruled a part of north-east Wales called Powys Fadog from 1191 to 1236. He was also known as the Lord of Powys. Madog is famous for founding Valle Crucis Abbey in the area known as Yale.

Early Life and Rule

View of Valle Crucis Abbey and the Castle of Dinas Bran, which belonged to the princes of Powys Fadog

Madog was the older son of Prince Gruffydd Maelor and his wife, Angharad. His mother was the daughter of King Owain Gwynedd. Madog became a ruler in 1191, sharing power with his brother, Owen. When Owen passed away in 1197, Madog became the sole ruler of the northern part of Powys. This area was located north of the River Rhaeadr and the Afon Tanat.

Madog worked to strengthen the lands his father, Prince Gruffudd Maelor, had owned. Because of him, the territory he ruled became known as Powys Fadog. The rest of the old kingdom became Powys Wenwynwyn. (The name Fadog is just a slightly changed way of saying Madog).

After Madog's death in 1236, Powys Fadog was divided among his five sons. Even so, the area was still called Powys Fadog. It included regions like Welsh and English Maelor, Ial (Yale), Cynllaith, Nanheudwy, and Mochnant Is Rhaeadr.

Madog was initially close to his cousin, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, another important Welsh leader. However, Madog later chose to keep some distance. For a while, he even allied with King John of England. But by 1215, Madog decided to join forces with his cousin Llywelyn again, and they remained allies.

Founding Valle Crucis Abbey

A view of Llangollen, Wales, and Valle Crucis Abbey, which was built by Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor in the ancient lordship of Ial (Yale)

On January 28, 1201, Madog founded a special monastery called Valle Crucis Abbey. It was built for Cistercian monks in Llangollen, Wales. The first monks came from a nearby abbey called Strata Marcella.

Madog was buried at Valle Crucis Abbey after he died. Many of his family members were also buried there. The exact spot where he rests is not known today.

Madog was either a great-grandfather or a great-great-great-grandfather of Owain Glyndŵr, a famous Welsh warrior.

Family Life

Madog was married to a woman named Esyllt (also known as Isolda). They had several children:

• Gruffudd Maelor II, who took over as ruler after his father.
• Gruffudd Iâl, who passed away in 1238.
• Maredudd, who passed away in 1256.
• Hywel, who passed away in 1268.
• Madog Fychan, who passed away in 1269.
• Angharad.