Madog ap Llywelyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madog ap Llywelyn |
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| Prince of Wales | |
| Reign | 1294–1295 |
| Predecessor | Dafydd ap Gruffudd |
| Successor | Owain Glyndŵr |
Madog ap Llywelyn was a brave Welsh leader. He led a big revolt against English rule in 1294–1295. Madog even called himself the "Prince of Wales". His rebellion was one of the longest in Welsh history. Only Owain Glyndŵr's revolt later lasted longer. Madog was related to the old Welsh royal family. He was a distant cousin of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last Welsh Prince of Wales.
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Madog's Family Background
Madog came from an important Welsh royal family. His father, Llywelyn ap Maredudd, was a Welsh lord. He lost his lands because he disagreed with Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Madog's father even lived in England for a while. He later fought for the Welsh and died in battle.
Madog himself received money from King Edward I of England. He used it to try and get his family's lands back. This shows Madog had strong ties to the Welsh royal line. He also had reasons to challenge English control.
The Great Welsh Revolt
On September 29, 1294, Madog started a big Welsh rebellion. This happened because English rulers were unfair in Wales. They also made the Welsh pay new, heavy taxes. Madog was a royal prince. He was a descendant of Owain Gwynedd. This made him a good choice to lead the revolt. He declared himself the rightful "Prince of Wales."
The uprising was planned for many months. Attacks happened all over Wales on the same day. Madog led the fight in North Wales. Other leaders like Cynan ap Maredudd fought in Mid and South Wales. The rebels hoped King Edward would be in France. But bad weather kept the king in England. He quickly stopped his French plans. Instead, he turned his army to deal with the Welsh.
Attacks on English Castles
Madog's forces quickly took over Caernarfon. They occupied its strong castle. Other castles were also attacked. These included Castell y Bere, Hawarden, Ruthin, and Denbigh. Madog's army also surrounded Criccieth Castle for months. They did the same at Harlech Castle.
In South Wales, other Welsh leaders had success. Morlais Castle was captured. Cynan ap Maredudd surrounded Builth Castle. Half of Caerphilly town was burned. Kenfig Castle was also attacked and looted.
English lords tried to fight back. Henry de Lacy led an army to Denbigh. But the Welsh rebels ambushed his force. They defeated him in battle on November 11. Other English lords were more successful. They kept strong armies at Flint and Rhuddlan. These castles did not fall to the rebels.
In December 1294, King Edward I brought his army to North Wales. He wanted to stop the revolt. He marched through many towns. He reached Conwy Castle before Christmas. His help was needed. Some castles, like Harlech, had very few defenders left. Edward himself was ambushed near Conwy. He lost his supplies. The town of Conwy was burned. Edward was trapped in Conwy Castle. His navy finally rescued him in 1295.
The Final Battle and Madog's Capture
The most important battle happened on March 5, 1295. It was the battle of Maes Moydog in Powys. Madog's Welsh army was surprised by an English force. This army was led by the Earl of Warwick. The Welsh soldiers fought back bravely. They used a special formation of spearmen. It was like a "porcupine" shape. This helped them defend against English knights.
But English archers caused heavy losses. Many Welsh soldiers died. They drowned trying to cross a swollen river. Madog barely escaped with his life. He became a fugitive, hiding from the English. He was finally captured in July or August 1295. He was taken to London. Madog was kept prisoner for the rest of his life. He was still alive in 1312.
King Edward I responded harshly to the revolt. He made new rules that limited Welsh rights. But another rebellion soon followed. Llywelyn Bren led a second revolt in 1316.
Madog's Children
Madog ap Llywelyn had two sons. They were:
- Maredudd ap Madoc ap Llywelyn (died around 1334)
- Hywel ap Madoc ap Llywelyn (died around 1352)
Madog was not the last person from the House of Gwynedd. Other relatives also survived. One of them, Owain Lawgoch, later claimed to be Prince of Wales.
