Madog ap Maredudd facts for kids
Madog ap Maredudd (who died in 1160) was a very important leader in Wales. He was the last prince to rule over the entire Kingdom of Powys. For a while, he also controlled the area around Oswestry.
Madog was the son of King Maredudd ap Bleddyn and the grandson of King Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. He became the ruler of Powys in 1132, taking over from his father.
In 1141, Madog joined the Battle of Lincoln. He supported the Earl of Chester. He fought alongside Owain Gwynedd's brother, Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd, and many Welsh soldiers.
In 1149, Madog gave a piece of land called Cyfeiliog to his nephews, Owain Cyfeiliog and Meurig. That same year, Madog rebuilt Oswestry Castle. This castle belonged to William Fitzalan. It seems Madog had taken control of both Oswestry and Whittington castles in 1146.
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Battles and Land Changes
Around 1149-1150, Owain Gwynedd, the King of Gwynedd, was putting pressure on Powys. This was happening even though Madog was married to Susanna, who was Owain's sister.
About 1150, Madog made an agreement with Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester. But Owain defeated them near Ewloe/Coleshill. Owain then took control of Madog's lands in the Lordship of Iâl (also known as Yale).
In 1157, King Henry II of England invaded Gwynedd. King Henry II was defeated at the Battle of Ewloe. However, Madog supported King Henry II during this time. Because of this support, Madog was able to get back many of his Welsh lands. He also kept control of the areas of Oswestry and Whittington.
In 1159, Madog likely joined King Henry II's military trip to Toulouse. This trip did not go well for King Henry II. After returning home to Wales, Madog died around February 9, 1160. He passed away at Whittington Castle. He was buried soon after at the church of St Tysilio in Meifod. This church was very important to Powys.
Powys Divided After Madog's Death
Madog's oldest son, Llywelyn, was killed shortly after his father's death in 1160. After this, Powys was split up among several people. These included Madog's sons Gruffydd Maelor, Owain Fychan, and Owain Brogyntyn. His nephew Owain Cyfeiliog and his half-brother Iorwerth Goch also received parts.
Powys was never put back together as one kingdom after Madog's death. Instead, it became two separate parts:
- Powys Fadog (Lower Powys)
- Powys Wenwynwyn (Upper Powys)
Madog's death allowed Owain Gwynedd to take control of some of northern Powys. He made Owain Brogyntyn, Madog's youngest son, promise loyalty to him.
The poet Cynddelw Brydydd Mawr wrote a sad poem about Madog. In it, he said that when Madog was alive, no one dared to attack his lands. The poet also felt that if Madog were still alive, Gwynedd would not have taken over parts of Edeirnion. Edeyrnion was a region that Owain Brogyntyn had inherited.
The Mabinogion Story
The famous Welsh tale called The Dream of Rhonabwy takes place during Madog's time as prince. The main character, Rhonabwy, works for Madog. He is sent to find Madog's rebellious brother, Iorwerth Goch ap Maredudd. In his dream, Rhonabwy compares his own time to the grand days of King Arthur.
Madog's Family
Madog had several children:
- Llywelyn ap Madog (died 1160)
- Gruffydd Maelor ap Madog (died 1191)
- Owain Fychan ap Madog (born around 1125, died 1187)
- Owain Brogyntyn ap Madog (he was not born in marriage)
- Gwenllian ferch Madog (she married Rhys ap Gruffydd, a prince of Deheubarth)
- Marared ferch Madog (she married Iorwerth ab Owain Gwynedd and was the mother of Llywelyn the Great)
- Efa ferch Madog (she married Cadwallon ap Madog ap Idnerth, a prince of Maelienydd)
