Morgan ab Owain facts for kids

Morgan ab Owain (died 1158) was a powerful Welsh leader and the Lord of Caerleon. He was the son of Owain Wan and the grandson of Caradog ap Gruffydd. Caradog was the last Welsh king of Gwent.

Who Was Morgan ab Owain?

Morgan ab Owain lived in a time when Wales was often fighting with its powerful neighbor, England. He came from a royal family in Gwent, a part of Wales. His grandfather, Caradog ap Gruffydd, was a king. But after Caradog died, much of Gwent was taken over by Anglo-Norman lords. These were powerful Norman knights who had settled in England and then moved into Wales.

Early Life and Family

Morgan's grandfather, Caradog ap Gruffydd, was killed in 1081. This happened during a battle called the Battle of Mynydd Carn. He fought against another Welsh leader, Rhys ap Tewdwr. After Caradog's death, his son Owain Wan, Morgan's father, only ruled a small area called Gwynllŵg. Most of the larger region of Gwent was soon taken by an Anglo-Norman lord named Robert Fitzhamon. This meant Morgan grew up seeing his family's lands shrink.

Rising to Power: The Revolt of 1136

In 1136, a big revolt happened in Wales. This was after the English King Henry I died. Morgan and his brother Iorwerth took action. They ambushed and killed Richard FitzGilbert de Clare, an Anglo-Norman lord. This happened in Ceredigion.

After this bold move, Morgan captured Caerleon Castle and Usk Castle. These were important castles. By taking them, he gained control of Upper Gwent and Llenfennydd. Even though his territory was not huge, he started calling himself a king.

Holding Onto His Lands

Morgan was able to keep his new lands because the Norman lords nearby were busy. They were fighting in a civil war in England. This war was called The Anarchy. It happened after King Henry I died. Because the Normans were distracted, Morgan could hold onto his conquests.

He also made smart deals with powerful English nobles. He had agreements with Robert, Earl of Gloucester and later with Roger Fitzmiles, 2nd Earl of Hereford. These alliances helped him stay strong.

Fighting in the English Civil War

Morgan and his warriors sometimes fought as hired soldiers. They served Robert of Gloucester and Roger FitzMiles. They fought on the side of Empress Matilda. She was trying to become Queen of England.

Morgan's warriors were known for being fierce. They fought alongside other Welsh leaders like Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd from Gwynedd and Madog ap Maredudd from Powys. They were part of a "terrible Welsh mob" at the Battle of Lincoln in 1141.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1154, the new English king, Henry II, officially recognized Morgan. He was recognized as the Lord of Caerleon. This was a big achievement for Morgan. It meant the English king accepted his rule over that important area.

However, Morgan's life ended in 1158. He was murdered during a raid north of Caerphilly. The attack was carried out by Ifor Bach. Ifor Bach was another Welsh lord from Senghenydd. Morgan's court poet, Gwrgant ap Rhys, was also killed.

Even though Morgan had at least two sons, Morgan and Hywel, his brother Iorwerth ab Owain took over as the ruler after his death.