Mochnant facts for kids
Error: {{language with name/for}}: missing English translation (help) was an important area in medieval Wales. It was part of the Kingdom of Powys, a powerful Welsh kingdom long ago. The name "Mochnant" means "the rapid stream," likely referring to a fast-flowing river in the area.
Mochnant was a type of land division called a cantref. Think of a cantref as a large county. These cantrefs were then split into smaller parts called commotes, which were like smaller districts.
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Mochnant's Location and Divisions
In the 12th century, Mochnant was divided into two main parts. These were named after the River Rhaeadr, which flowed through the area:
- Mochnant Is Rhaeadr: This was the northern part. "Is" means "below" the river.
- Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr: This was the southern part. "Uwch" means "above" the river.
Neighboring Lands
Mochnant shared borders with several other important areas:
- To the northwest, it bordered Penllyn. Penllyn was originally part of Powys but later became part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd.
- To the south, it bordered the cantrefs of Caereinion and Mechain.
- To the northeast, it bordered Maelor.
Main Center
The main town and administrative center for Mochnant was Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. This village was in Mochnant Is Rhaeadr. Its name means "Llanrhaeadr in Mochnant," showing its strong connection to the area. The church of St Dogfan in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant was also the main religious center for the commote.
Changes in Rulership
After the death of Madog ap Maredudd, a ruler of Powys, in 1160, his kingdom was divided among his family. Mochnant was given to his half-brother, Iorwerth Goch.
New Rulers Take Over
However, Iorwerth Goch did not keep Mochnant for long. In 1166, two other powerful Welsh princes, Owain Cyfeiliog and Owain Fychan, took control.
- Owain Cyfeiliog took Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr (the southern part).
- Owain Fychan took Mochnant Is Rhaeadr (the northern part).
Iorwerth Goch later moved to the Ceiriog Valley and became the leader of Chirk Castle.
Mochnant's Future
Over time, the northern part of Powys, including Mochnant Is Rhaeadr, became known as Powys Fadog. The southern part, including Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr, became Powys Wenwynwyn.
After the English Conquest
Later, in 1282–1283, Edward I of England conquered Wales. This changed things for Mochnant:
- Mochnant Is Rhaeadr became part of an English-controlled area called the Marcher Lordship of Chirk.
- Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr, however, remained under Welsh rule.
Even later, these divisions became part of new counties. Mochnant Is Rhaeadr was in Denbighshire, while Mochnant Uwch Rhaeadr was in Montgomeryshire.
